Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education: Post Primary Review

The Northern Ireland Education Commission for Catholic Education which comprises the Diocesan and Religious trustees for Catholic Schools, has announced this week a series of initiatives to facilitate the implementation of the new post-primary arrangements into their schools.

Under the new post-primary arrangements announced by the Government last year, academic selection as a means of transfer to post-primary education is to end and will be replaced by a new curriculum through the entitlement framework. The framework requires schools to offer pupils access to both academic and vocational subjects.

The Commission have recognised the significant changes in Government policy and its implications on education in Northern Ireland. Furthermore they have recognised that the issues of continuing demographic downturn and the financial challenges and will undoubtedly have major implications for their schools.  

As a result the Commission, through the Religious and Diocesan Trustees, propose to introduce the new admissions and curriculum arrangements into Catholic Schools in a planned, structured and inclusive way. This they believe will ensure optimal educational outcomes for all pupils in the future.

The Trustees have this week established a Regional Programme Board which will develop agreed core principles and ensure a strategic, coherent and collaborative approach across the Catholic-managed sector. Such collaboration will necessarily involve the trustees systemically linking with all relevant parties, who will be kept informed of developments.

Funding has been secured from the Department of Education, to assist the sector to plan collaboratively for the future. A Post-Primary Review Team has been established to provide support to the Trustees for such planning.

Speaking on behalf of the Commission, Bishop Donal McKeown said,

“The Northern Ireland Education Commission for Catholic Education are committed to working together towards a ‘Shared Future’ and ensuring diversity of provision within the Catholic sector.

 The structured approach to be undertaken will enable the Catholic sector to adequately prepare for the new arrangements in education which will be required over the next five years”.

For further information please contact

Paul O’Connor

Communications Officer

Telephone      028 9039 3891

Mobile           078 1220 7172

Email              pauloconnor@pprce.org

Notes to Editors

Post-Primary Review in Catholic Education

1. The Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education is comprised of Senior Trustees, Diocesan and Religious.
3. The members include; Bishop P Walsh, Bishop S.Hegarty, Bishop Donal McKeown.
5. The remaining members are Sister A.M McQuaid RSM, Sister P Rodgers PSC and Brother S Deignan FSC.
7. Mr Gerry Lundy has been appointed Programme Director.