There are almost 50 state-controlled secondary schools in Northern Ireland. The CSSC will mirror other sectoral support bodies already in existence by offering professional support and advocacy.
The Irish-medium, Catholic-maintained and integrated sectors all have bodies fighting their schools’ corners. It is the first time ever the North has had a support body for the state sector.
It had been expected to launch in April last year at the same time as the former five area boards were merged into the larger Education Authority. This was delayed, however.
The body will be led by a highly experienced educationalist, Barry Mulholland, who previously served as the chief executive of the Western Education and Library Board. Northern Ireland education minister Pater Weir says the creation of the CSSC is “historic” and an important step towards greater equality and fairness in education.
He said: “The establishment of the Controlled Schools Support Council will help to address a long-standing deficit in representation. It will place the controlled sector on a similar footing with the other sectors in education.
“The new CSSC will ensure the sector has a strong and effective voice. I am confident that they will make a positive contribution in helping to raise educational standards across the controlled sector.”
The role of the CSSC will differ slightly to that of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools. It was established as an upper tier of management for Catholic schools in 1989 in response to concerns about underachievement. It also has responsibilities including raising standards and the employment of teachers. The CSSC will not have the same type of responsibilities.