Education Minister Paul Givan has announced the planned establishment of a new organisation designed to offer dedicated support to controlled schools throughout Northern Ireland.

The decision follows an eight-week public consultation which saw a high level of engagement, including responses from nearly 50% of all controlled school principals. The results of the consultation showed a strong consensus for reform, with 91% of participants agreeing that support for the sector needs improvement and 84% endorsing the creation of a new, specialised body.

The proposed organisation will serve as the managing authority for the sector, providing specific leadership, governance support, and initiatives for school improvement. This move aims to ensure that controlled schools, which currently educate half of the student population in Northern Ireland, have a dedicated advocate similar to the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS). Minister Givan commented on the findings: "School leaders have spoken with a clear and united voice. Controlled schools, which educate half of our pupils, have long lacked the parity, advocacy and tailored support they need. This consultation provides a powerful mandate for change. I want to thank all of the school leaders and stakeholders who engaged with the consultation and have helped to shape the way forward."

The Minister indicated that he intends to bring these proposals to the Executive immediately to secure a place in the legislative programme, with hopes of introducing the necessary legislation later this year.

The CCMS has expressed its support for the move, stating that a dedicated organisation would bring the controlled sector into line with existing statutory arrangements and strengthen the balance of the wider education system.

Acknowledging that the legislative process will take time to complete, the Minister confirmed that a Controlled Schools Unit (CSU) is already being formed within the Education Authority. This unit will provide immediate support to schools in the interim and will work alongside the Controlled Schools Support Council to ensure a cohesive service for the sector.

Minister Givan concluded: "I will move immediately to bring these proposals back to the Executive and press for their inclusion in the legislative programme. I hope with Executive support to introduce the legislation to establish the new organisation later this year. We must act decisively to deliver the dedicated support that controlled schools both need and deserve."