RAISE programme
The RAISE programme is a new initiative which aims to raise achievement to reduce educational disadvantage.
This is a whole community, place-based approach in localities across Northern Ireland to support the Department of Education’s vision that “every child is happy, learning and succeeding”. It helps to deliver on the mission, set by the report ‘A Fair Start’, to ensure all children and young people regardless of background are given the best start in life.
RAISE will be present in eligible areas in the locations set out below.
| Antrim |
| Ballymena |
| Belfast |
| Carrickfergus |
| Coleraine |
| Derry / Londonderry |
| Dungannon |
| Enniskillen |
| Limavady |
| Lisburn |
| Lurgan and Brownlow |
| Millisle and Donaghadee |
| Newry |
| Newtownabbey |
| Portadown |
RAISE Summary Document
More information on the RAISE programme can be found in the summary document here.
RAISE Locality eligibility data and methodology
The methodology used to select localities was objective and data informed with all areas having to meet a threshold of need under a wide range of criteria. Super Output Areas across Northern Ireland were analysed using seven criteria – free school meal entitlement, Special Educational Needs, pupil attendance and GCSE attainment as well as the Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation measures of income deprivation affecting children and health deprivation and disability, and Crime and Anti-social behaviour. These indicators were tested with a stakeholder reference group and reflect the fact that children and young people face different barriers to success in education.
The data used and an explanation of the methodology can be found below:
RAISE Locality eligibility data and methodology
Developing a Strategic Area Plan
Bespoke local Strategic Area Plans will be developed for each RAISE locality identifying what is needed to support delivery against the strategic objectives of the programme and proposing actions based on research and evidence of what works. To drive forward the development of the Strategic Area Plan, a Locality Reference Group will be established in each RAISE locality. In terms of the available budget, each locality will receive a base allocation of £100k with a top up on a per pupil basis. The maximum allocation per locality over two years is set out at Annex B of the Developing a Locality Strategic Area Plan guidance and will be subject to the approval of the Strategic Area Plan.
Developing a Locality Strategic Area Plan
Further Help and Support
DE officials will be engaging with all stakeholders over the coming months, beginning with schools and will be in touch about that process shortly. In the meantime any queries should be sent to raise@education-ni.gov.uk