NI's Education System Is 'Close To A Tipping Point'

Northern Ireland's education system is "close to a tipping point", the comptroller and auditor general has warned.

Kieran Donnelly made the comments following the publication of a report on the financial health of schools by the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO).

There are around 1,100 schools in NI, however only 14 are independent and do not receive any funding from the Department of Education (DoE).

The report found that although funding has risen over four years between 2012-13 to 2016-17, there has been a 9.3% reduction in real terms.

Controlled and maintained schools are permitted to have surplus of 5% of their budget share.

Since the 2012/13 financial year, the number of these schools in deficit has increased from 197 to 315.

Seven schools had deficits of at least £1million by 31 March 2017:

• Drumcree College in Portadown

• Strabane Academy

• Crumlin Integrated College

• City of Armagh High School

• Coleraine College

• St Columban's College, Kilkeel

• St Eugene's College, Enniskillen - which closed later in 2017.

The NIAO report said: "This report indicates an environment where there is pressure on school budgets, increasing pupil numbers and schools with sustainability issues.

"It is clear the system is coming close to a tipping point and action needs to be taken as a matter of urgency."

(CD/MH)