THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL
CHAIRPERSON'S FOREWORD
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Controlled Schools, Support Council {CSSCI marks a seventh year of operation as a voice on bohalf of the
onlrolled sector. Controlled schools continue to experience unique challenge5 as a result of being the only sector
managed by the Education Authority (EAI. and we welcomed the recognitson given lo this in the Ind8pendent
Review of Education published in December. In the past year, the organisation has focused on priorilising tho need
for the controlled sector to be effectively and equitably managed as recommended by the 8Uthors of the Review.
As the sectoral support body for Gontrolled schools, CSSC represents 49% of all schools in Northem Ireland,
including nursery schools, special schools. primary schools, secondary schools. grammar schools, integrated
schools and Irish-medium schools. Any inequity in support for controlled schools impacts on the education and lrfe
chances of nearly 50% of childfan being educatèd in Northern Ireland. CSSC officers have worf(ed to support the
need for better aulcomes for all pupils Ihrough the provision of high-quality education.
Engaging and collaborating with partners ha$ been critical to the organisatson's recent advocacy Work towards
action on the inequity as well as the focu8 on over a decade of underfunding and tha impact that has.
CSSC officers continLFe to empow8r controlled schools in serving their communities, listening lo the needs of school
leaders, whilst highlighting the diversity and incluswity of the sector, The organisation has highlighted the need lo
promote trust and resp8Ct by nurturing a collective ethos, reflectlve of the 98Ctor'5 values and culture.
Council mambers. Emma Corry and Gillian Dunlop. resigned in 2023 and I'd like lo thank them on behalf of all of us
for their commitment and support. I'd like to thank all the Council members and staff for their commitment to CSSC
and the work they do lo ensure controlled school leaders are supported lo deliveT high quality education to over
148,000 pupils in controlled schooL8.
Mark Orr KC
Chairpe
Date..

THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Last year l expressed Con￿rn over the limited action following the publication of the Landscape Review of the
Education Authority IEAI which highlighted the inequity resulting from 115 conflicted role as managing authority for
controlled schools but seNice provider for all. Since then, the Indapendent Review of Education report - 1nvesb.ng
in a Belter Future (Decernber 20231, has clearly staled and agreed with the concerns CSSC and others have been
raising regarding the unique challenges being faced by controlled schools.
I now have some optimism that action is being taken to address these concems. The Minister of Education has
staled that he hopes to make an announcem8nl on the way controlled schools are managed this Autumn and I hope
to discuss this further at our Annual General Meeting. We welcome the Minister's acknowledgement that ¢urrent
arr8ngemenls have served controlled sGhool8 POOTly compared to other seGlors, and his assurance that this is going
to change.
CSSC will continue to share the conTrrns of controlled school leaders at all lavels. The organisations. core role is to
r8presenl the interests of all controlled schools. We are working d1￿CtlY and collaboraliv81y with EA and the
Department of Education lo move this work forward through the summer and into the next school year. There is a
clear opportunity lo promote substanlbve change lo support ¢ontrolled schools 38 they 58rvo the children and young
people in their communities.
Early in 2024 my officers and I mot with over 100 conlrollod school leaders including Princlp81s 8nd Governors al
the CSSC 'Your $¢hDol8' futuro
controlling the decade, engagement •vents. We will bulld on these u$8ful
conversations about tho future of controlled school$ in their changing local communities with further eng8gement in
2024-25. As promised, 8 toolkit to assist school$ in using the 2021 census data lo understand better their local
communities was developed os 8 consequence ol these events and will be shared in Autumn 2024.
Over th8 Sasl year CSSC continued to T8present control￿d schools at the hlghe¥t levels of Government including
with members of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Member5 of Parliament al the Northern Ireland Affairs
Committee in Westminster highlighting the significant challenges being faced but also the succes5 and quality of
education provision across our schools,
It remains critical that w8 all work together a5 one sector with 8 united voice focus8d on addressing th8 common
challenge8 we face together.
Baker
f Executlve
Ch
Date..

THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL
TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Tnjstees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.
The financial statements have been p￿pared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the
financial statements and comply with the Charity's goveming document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting
and Reporting by Charities- Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in
accordance wth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)"
(effective 1 January 2019).
Strateglc objectives and actlvltle8 of CSSC In 2023-24
During 2022-23, CSSC updated the vision and strategic objectlves for the organisation. These 7 strategic
objectives are listed below and are reported on in full for 2023-24.
Moving forward in 2024-25, Council in June 2024 approved a strategy to priorftlse working towards equitable
support and management of controlled schools which will be addressed through the following objectives.
The lack of efficlent and effective support for controlled schools by their managing authority. the Education
Authority (EA), and the need for the Landscape Review of the EA and the Independent Review of
Education recommendations to be actioned as a matter of urgency.
The misrepresentation and misunderstanding of the sector and the need for the sector and individual
schools to clearly demonstrate their open to all ethos and their place in the local community.
CSSC'S Strategic Objectlve8 2023-24
Support better outcomes for all pupils through provision of high-quality education.
2. Building understanding that the controlled sector is diverse and inclusive.
3. Promote the role controlled schools have in serving their communities.
4. Engage and collaborate with partners to ensure equitable support for the controlled sector.
5. Optimise opportunities to encourage effective govemance In controlled schools.
6. Represent the sector effectively to ensure an enduring and valued role for controlled schools within a
ne￿Ork of sustainable schools.
7. Promote trust and respect by nurturing a collective ethos, reflective of the controlled sector's values and
culture.
How much support dld CSSC provlde over th• year 2023-24 by each objectlve?
0.*ry1.'4
'dO,'*'fr..*_
24Jfrt
f4.ey
'a:ea,. ODJe*iiQ j
'•'.%*

THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1. Support better outcomes for all pupils through provlsion of highquality educatlon.
a. CSSC advocated in the best interests of children and young people through effective representation of the
controlled sector's voice at a strategic level.
b. CSSC collaborated with EA and other partners to support the raising of educational standards. and improved
learning outcomes in controlled schools.
c. CSSC vrforked to build the capacity of controlled school leadership through an ethos of professional reflection,
effective
teamwork
and
implementation
evidence
informed
practice.
Example$ of thls work Included:
Written evidence and oral evldence submitted to publlc consultatlons including the Northern Ireland Affairs
Committee's {NIAC) Inquiry's into a) funding and delivery of public services and b) Integrated Education in
Northern Ireland highlighting importance of indusion, sharing and integration.
CSSC representation at multi-disciplinary meetings to capture issues and pressures being faced.
Engagement with controlled schools to request views to contribute to consultations for example on
statutory guidance on reduction and management of restrictive practices in educational settings and Pre-
School Education Amalgamation for Standardisation Pilot.
Contributs'ng at various levels to represent controlled schools for example by attending DE End to End
review meetings for school improvement and SEND provision, DE Strategic Policy Forum, EDIS
Programme Level Stakeholders Forum and Transfonnats'onal Champion Network, DE Childcare Strategy
Stakeholder Forum, EA Safeguarding Forum, Pre-school Education Group, SBNI Research Task and
Finish Group, EA TIP Steering Group, and SEND Programme Reference Groups (please note this is not
comprehensive list}.
CSSC Erasmus+ programme completed with dissemination of learning and Intemational best practice.
csscistranmillis University 2023 College Award for Excellence in Educational Research presented, and
the successful project was disseminated.
CSSC Sharing of Effective Practice Strategy and Implementation Plan developed, reviewed with Education
and Training Inspectorate.
What percentsge of 8UPPOrt did CSSC provlde by functlon?
5014
•Ao."CCO¢i
4¢£4
stBte P Jr*ir
•ia s.p.g St4".di..d5
Gc'étrparcè
2?

THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2. Building understsnding that the controlled sector is diverse and Inclusive.
CSSC worked to address misrepresentation of the sector through advocacy and representation, promotion and
raising awareness of its diverse and inclusive nature, so that it is recognised, understood and respected by schools,
policy makers, key stskeholders, the media and communilles.
b. CSSC supported and encouraged controlled schools to celebrate their identity, promote and showcase their
schools as diverse, open to all faiths and none, reflective of, embedded in and connected to their communities.
c. CSSC actively supported the fostering. enhancement and strengthening of an inclusive ethos and culture of
diversity within controlled schools so that all our children and young people can reach their full potential.
d. CSSC encouraged, promoted and supported shared education partnerships to facilitate respect, diversity and
community
cohesion.
Examples of thls work Included:
10 CSSC Engagement Events entitled 'Your schools, future, eontrolllng the decade, were part of a focus8d
programme of work to help controlled schools better understand their local communities using publicly
available data further enabling controlled schools in understanding how they are open to all. 88 controlled
schools were represented at the events held across Northem Ireland vrith 110 attendees including 77
Principals and 33 Governors.
Induction event seminar held so that first tlme Principals (and the Chairperson of their Board of Governor8)
understand the importance of the function, role and contribution of CSSC to their sector. and CSSC'S key
strategic objectives in relation to their schools induding the need to reflect how their school is embedded in
and connected to their community.
CSSC provided support to schools in encouraging and promoting controlled schools, participation in shared
education and provided assistance to those controlled schools in the process of transformation to
controlled integrated siatus, promoting sustsinable provision across the controlled sector.
Marketing, Research and Communications Strategy developed with a focus on addressing the
misconceptions of the sector and promoted the inclusivity and diversity of controlled Schools including
through the development of a suite of video content filmed within controlled schools.
CSSC continue to engage with EA, NICIE and CnaG to ensure support for controlled schods is
collaborative and efficient in utilisation of expertise and resources.
What per¢entage of support dld CSSC provide by functlon?
•AdvExaty
• Estate Planning
Echos
•C-oN'ernance
Raising Standards
8494

THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
3. Promote the role controlled schools have in serving thelr communities.
a. CSSC supported, championed and advocated for the positive engagement and collaboration that characterises
this community partnership.
b. CSSC encouraged and supported the building of a community network of controlled schools to enable effective
cohesion and sustainable collaboration, and provision of highquality education, for the development and benefit of
the controlled seGtor.
Exampl68 of thls work Included:
A key part of the CSSC Engagement Events Your schools, future - controlling the decade, was to further
work with controlled schools to better understand their local Community including to explain the data
available to schools.
Substantial planning and development followed to build a 'CSSC Communlty Profiling Toolkit, as a next step
to enable controlled schools to better use NISRA dats to understand their local community.
A 'Collabordte, Disseminate and Celebrate. event vms held at Belfast Model School for Glrfs sharing
leaming from the Erasmus Programme.
What porcontage of support dld CSSC provlde by functlon?
9.&S¢.:
5.ty9-v
•4dvocacy
• t State Plannin9
• Eth05
56.i*.¥
'ernJflce
• Raising Standaids
4. Engage and ¢ollaborate wlth partners to ansure equltable support for the controllod Sector.
CSSC advocated for a duty to consult with the organlsation on strategic matters pertaining to the controlle
sector, underpinned by legislation.
b. CSSC represented the interests of controlled schools by engaging with education partners on the implementation
of the recommendations of the Landscape Review of EA and the Independent Review of Education.
c. CSSC worked to build new and exists'ng partnerships to support the development of controlled schools and the
sector.
Examples of thls work included:
CSSC continued to share the concerns of controlled school leaders at all levels by working directly and
collaboratively with EA and DE and other relevant stskeholders in the pursuit of effective and equitable
support for controlled schools.
CSSC continued to contribute to collaborative work such as the THRIVE strategic partnership to raise
standards within the Ne￿QwnabbeY area and to work in partnership with Ulster University, as part of the
Taking Boys Seriously project which aims for greater understsnding of effective interventions to improve
outcomes for boys and young men.

THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL
TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
What percentsge of support dld CSSC provlde by functlon7
E5tatÉ Plènrin9
• Eth¢s
isYefnarc+
• PaiS..n9 Siai*JTds
5. Optimlse opportunltles to encourage effectlve governanc• in controlled schools.
CSSC worked wlth DE, EA and the TRC to contribute to the reconstitution of Boards of Governors In controlled
schools, and to malntaln and support effective school govemance.
b. CSSC encouraged and facilitated the development of Govemors in understanding the important role they play in
supporting school leaders to embed an inclusive ethos wrthin controlled schools, to support provision of high-quality
education and enhance all aspects of school life.
c. CSSC raised awareness and promoted the importance of the role of school Governors in supporting controlled
school leaders and as advocates for their school within their communities, and for the controlled sector.
Examples of th18 work included:
Participation in planning and delivery of reconstitution of Boards of Governors throughout the year included
ag￿ement of CSSC representatives and attendance at EA Governor Application Meetin9S.
CSSC commitment to the reconstitution process will continue in 2024-25.
CSSC members attended Board of Govemor meetlngs In controlled schools when invlted to engage on
specific issues of concern.
CSSC support provided to 8nhance effectiveness of govemance in controlled schools including promoting
the importance of the role of school Governors in supportlng school loaders, and as advocates for thelr
school and the controlled sector, within their communities.
Development and delivery of ongoing Govemor development on ethos with governor development
sessions focusing on ethos delivered within the year.
Support given to school Governors in schools considering transfomation to integrated status.
What percentage of support dld CSSC provlde by functlon?
-, 6

THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
6. Represent the sector effectively to ensure an enduring and valued role for controlled schools wlthin a
network of sustainable schools.
a. CSSC participated with educational partners in the area planning process to identify innovative, creative and
shared
solutions
sustainable
education
provision.
b. CSSC advocated for the needs, perspectives, ethos and long-tem sustainability of the controlled sector within
area planning structures, and through the area planning process, underpinned and supported by robust evidence-
based
analysis.
c. CSSC engaged with controlled schools participating in estate planning to provide quality support and to inform
our representation of the controlled sector's views and needs, to maintain its valued position within a sustainable
and equitsble educational system.
Examples of thls work Included:
288 consultation engagements with 129 individual schools informed 33 responses to pre-publication and
development consultations which had potential to impact on controlled schools.
CSSC representation continued al area planning group meetings including Area Plannlng Steering Group
(APSGI. Area Planning Working Group (APWG}, Area Planning Local Group (APLG), Pre-school Education
Group (PEG), APWG Shared Education Sub-group, Integrated Education {IE) Steering Group, IE Working
Group and IE Act Outcomes Based Accountability Workshops.
What percentsge of support dld CSSC provlde by functlon?
l stale ?lannit19
• £ttr-OS
Q'J¢fnaftce
Raisir,9 Standards
7. Promote trust and respect by nurturlng a collectlve othos, reflectlvo of the controlled sector's valueg and
culture.
a. CSSC supported controlled schools to develop, affirm and evaluate vthole school ethos, which acknowledges that
which is common and shared within the sector. whilst recognising each schools, diversity and their own unique
context.
b. CSSC promoted and encouraged the importance of embedding of ethos, in all aspects of school life, through
developing vision and values, maintaining and reinforcing effective communication, and building of positive,
collaborative whole-school community relationships.
Examples of thls work Included:
CSSC provided support in ethos development, govemance and leadership support for controlled schools,
including controlled integrated and Irish-rnedium schools.

THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Leadership support provided through CSSC'S Ethos and Leadership programme including:
whole school ethos development
targeted leadership support for controlled schools in partnership with EA
targeted coaching support for senior lesders in controlled schools and provision of systemic team
coaching support
school development of Trauma Informed Practice approach
CSSC contributed to the EA Induction Programmes for First fime Principals and Vice Principals in
controlled schools.
What por¢entage of Support dld CSSC provlde by function?
1193•1
•Ad¥oca
•Ertnie Planniff*9
•£:hos
•L"overnance
2.57'*
P4isiry Standard5
52A64
Flnanclal revlew
The results for the year are set out on page 17 to the attached financial statements along wlth the totsl funds at tha
year end.
Golng concern
After maklng appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectatlon that the Company has adequate
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the
going concem basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going
concern basis Can be found in the accounting policies.

THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Structure, governance and management
a. Key functions
The Education Act (Northem Ireland) 2014 made provision for the funding of $8ctoral bodies. On 14 October 2014,
during the Education Bill.. Second Stage debate, the Education Minister stated the functions of 'a new organisation
to provide support for controlled schools,. Thus, the functions of CSSC are-
providing a representational and advocacy role for controlled schools, including advice and support in
responding to consultation exercises in respect of education policies, initiatives and schemes and in regard
to relationships with DE, EA and other Departments working with schools within the sector to develop and
maintain its collective ethos, including, where appropriate, a role in identifying, encouraging and nomlnating
Governors and ensuring that ethos is part of employment considerations
working with EA to raise educational standards
participating in the planning of the schools, estste.. assessing ongoing provision within the sector.,
participating in area-based planning Covordinated by DE and EA, including membership of DE'S area
planning steering group., engaging, where appropriate, in strategic planning processes, including
community planning
building cooperation and engaging with other sectors on matters of mutual Interest, including the promotion
of tolerance and understanding. CSSC'S Articles of Association enable Council to provide educational and
other necessary support to individual controlled schools and to controlled schools as a whole. See below
link (reference debate at 4pm).
It .'Ilaims.niassembl
ov.ukloffici
ortlre
ort.as
x?
eveDate-2
4110114&do
ID=209460#561
b. Appolntment of dlrectors
The Board of Directors is constituted as follovpa.
One Director elected by those members representing nursery schools attending the meeting at which the
election takes place.
One Director elected by those members representing special schools attending the meeting at which the
election takes place.
One Director elected by those members representing secondary schools attending the meeting at which
the election takes place.
One Director elected by those members representing grammar schools attending the meeting at which the
election takes place.
Two Directors elected by those representlng primary schools attending the meeting at which the election
takes place.
Three representatives of Transferor Representatives, Council.
Four Directors vA)o have expertise of a551Stance to the charity, provided that no such Director shall be
employed in the public sector but shall be supportive of the aims and objectives of the controlled seGtor.
Directors are elected and appointed for four years.
The Directors who served during the period were..
Mark Orr (KC) (Chairperson)
Andrew Brovm (Dr) (Vice-chairperson)
Peter Hamill (Dr)
Michael Carville
Catherine Chambers
Emma Corry
Gillian Dunlop
Paula Leitch
Rosalind McFeeters
Darren Mornin (Dr)
Heather Murray
John Anderson
(Resigned 16 November 2023)
(Resigned 18 October 2023)
10-

THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Kenneth Twyble
Marshall Kilgore
Grace Trimble
(Resigned 20 June 2024)
(Appointed 19 October 2023)
{Appointed 14 December 2023)
Resigned
Gillian Dunlop (with effect from 19 October 2023)
Emma Corry (with effect fffjm16 November 2023)
Elected
Grace Trimble (with effect from 14 December 2023)
CTropted
Marshall Kilgore (with effect from 20 October 2023)
c. Dlrector Inductlon and trainlng
The Company Secretary ensures that appropriate inductlon and training is given to all Board members.
d. Rlsk management and intornal control
The Directors are responsible for ensurlng that an effective system of internal financial control is malntained and
operated by the Council. The system of internal financial control is based on a framework of regular management
information, administrative procedures and a system of delegats-on and accountsbility.
The Finance and General Purposes Committee reviews the financial reports and provides assurance to Council on
the budget setting process and appropriateness of expenditure ensuring CSSC remains within the Grant allocation.
The Audit, Governance and Risk Committee reviews the risk register on a quarterly basis and provides assurance to
Council that the CSSC risk management strategy has been implemented which is designed to minimise any
potential risks identified.
e. CSSC governance arranggm•nts
CSSC is grant funded by DE and an annual programme of work is undertaken to deliver on behalf of the controlled
sector. This sits within CSSC'S business plan which outlines priorities, objectives and resources for the year ahead.
Quarterly reporting ensures that CSSC remains on target to deliver its objecb'ves. Council met ten times per year,
once every month from January - June and September to December. A range of issues has been considered by
Council.
Education and Research Committee meets five times per year, usually the first Tuesday of every other month.
Members
Heather Murray {Chairperson)
John Anderson (Vice chairperson)
Andrew Brown (Dr)
Roz McFeeters
Emma Corry
Darren Mornin (Dr)
Gillian Dunlop
The Governance, Audit and Finance Committee met every other month.
Members
Michael Carville (Chairperson)
Catherine Chambers
Paula Leitch
Peter Hamill
Kenneth Twyble
11

THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL
TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
statsmènt of trustsgs. regponsibilitles
The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Company for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for
preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom
Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Actspled Accountsng Practi¢el,
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial ststements for each financial year. Under company law, the
Trustees musl not approve the financial slalemenls unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair vièw of
the slate of 8ffairs of thé Company and of ils incoming resourees and application of resoureès, including its income
and expenditure. for that period. In preparing Ih6s• financial statements. the Trustees are required lo..
select suitable accounting p¢li¢ies and then apply them consislenlly..
observe the methods and principles of the ChaTilies SORP IFRS 1021.,
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prud8nl',
slate whether applicable UK Accounting Standard5 IFRS 1021 have been followed, subject lo any malarial
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements",
prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inapproprialo lo presume that the
Company will continuo in business.
The Trustees are re$ponsib5e for keepin9 ad8quale accounting records that are sufficient lo show and explain the
Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable aG¢uracy al any b'me the financial posltion of the Company
and enable them lo ensure that the financial statements comply with the Compani8s Act 2008. They are also
responsible for safeguarding the as8915 of tha Company and hence for 18kin9 reasonable slaps foT the prevention
and detection of ffaud and other irregulariligs.
Audltor
In accord8nce with the company'8 articles, a resolution proposing that Harfoinson Mulholland be reappointed as
auditor of the company will be pul al a General Meeting.
The Iruslees, report wa8 approved by the Board of Tru5tg8$.
Mark Orr
Trusteo
Dale..
12