Information on school types in Northern Ireland

The education system in Northern Ireland consists of different types of schools under the control of management committees who are also the employers of teachers.

Controlled Schools

Controlled (nursery, primary, special, secondary and grammar schools) are under the management of the schools Board of Governors and the employing authority is the Education Authority (EA).

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The Controlled Schools’ Support Council (CSSC) is a non-statutory body, providing services in supporting and representing the controlled education sector.

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Maintained Schools

Maintained (nursery, primary, special and secondary) are under the management of the Board of Governors and the employing authority is the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS).

Contact details: 

Other Maintained Schools

Primary, special and secondary.

Voluntary (grammar) and Integrated Schools

Each of these schools is under the management of a Board of Governors.

Institutions of Further and Higher Education

For more information relating to Colleges of Further Education you can visit:

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