News

Controlled schools gained a rich learning experience through this international study visit which will support continuous improvement in NI’s education sector. The commitments in the Department of Education’s TransformED NI Strategy for Educational Excellence in NI, emphasised the importance of learning from the key factors that shape high performing education systems. 

Education Minister Paul Givan has launched, a comprehensive new strategy, TransformED, aimed at reforming and enhancing education delivery across Northern Ireland.

Controlled school leaders were recently updated on plans for an improved model of support at an event organised by the Controlled Schools' Support Council (CSSC).

The Controlled Schools’ Support Council (CSSC) congratulates all those from the education sector recognised in the 2025 New Year Honours list including all who have worked in or contributed to educating children and young people in the controlled sector. Honours are given to people from all walks of life and all sections of society who have made a difference in their community. 

The UK Sustainable School Leadership Survey is part of a major three-year study across the four UK nations. The research concentrates on the recruitment, training, and retention of school leaders, and considers diversity, equity, quality, and fitness for the future of leadership. 

This unique, UK-wide survey will provide powerful insights into the current state of leadership and will inform policy and practice. Find out more here.

Limavady High School, a controlled school in the heart of the Roe Valley community and part of the Limavady Shared Education Campus recently celebrated their 63rd annual prize day. Mark Baker, Chief Executive, Controlled Schools’s Support Council joined the celebrations and congratulated all students on their achievements.

CSSC provides high quality professional support to controlled school leaders to raise standards and make an impact in their controlled schools. 13 controlled schools attended the first module of Building Capacity on 25 September held at Stranmillis College, Belfast.

CSSC welcomes the announcement from the Education Minister of the establishment of a taskforce to lead in the development of a managing authority to support the controlled schools’ sector. 

Congratulations to Carrickfergus Grammar School who were named as the Families First 2024 'School of the Year' for the Northern Region. The controlled school outperformed competition from 11 other deserving finalists in this region to win.

Construction of the Strule Shared Education Campus recently began in Omagh.

The campus brings together six schools from across the community, including secondary, grammar, and special school provision, accommodating over 4,000 children and young people from all backgrounds.