Board of Education (NI)04 Jul 23

Church of Ireland thanks schools for steadfast work

The Church of Ireland’s Board of Education for Northern Ireland has written to all controlled schools at the end of term, to encourage and thank them for their steadfast work in difficult circumstances.

The letter welcomes the publication of a new report from Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, Stranmillis University College, and Newcastle University – ‘The consequences of the cuts to education for children and young people in Northern Ireland’.  The report highlights how budget cuts will increase poverty, widen existing educational attainment gaps, deepen the mental health crisis, and exacerbate existing pressures facing the special educational needs system.

“Despite these enormous financial pressures,” the Board notes, “schools continue to provide a safe, welcoming, learning environment for children and young people and all school staff should be commended for this.”

Archbishop John McDowell, who chairs the Board, writes: “At this time the pride which we take in the resilience and achievements of all in our schools, has to be balanced with our deep concern for the future of education in Northern Ireland. The Consequences of Cuts report sheds light on just how vulnerable every aspect of schooling has become, and we trust will focus the minds of all who have responsibility for the allocation of resources to schools.” 

A similar message of thanks has been shared with principals and boards of management primary schools under Church of Ireland patronage, from our Board of Education for the Republic of Ireland.

The full letter to controlled schools is below:

Dear Principal and Chair of Board of Governors,

As Principals, teachers and all school staff begin a well–earned rest, the Church of Ireland Board of Education NI would wish to encourage and thank them for their steadfast work in such difficult circumstances. 

The Board welcomes the publication of the report on ‘The Consequences of the Cuts to Education for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland’. This report highlights just how challenging the current financial situation is for schools in light of the recent budget cuts.

Despite these enormous financial pressures, schools continue to provide a safe, welcoming, learning environment for children and young people and all school staff should be commended for this.

Archbishop John McDowell, Chair of the Board, stated, “At this time the pride which we take in the resilience and achievements of all in our schools, has to be balanced with our deep concern for the future of education in Northern Ireland. The Consequences of Cuts report sheds light on just how vulnerable every aspect of schooling has become, and we trust will focus the minds of all who have responsibility for the allocation of resources to schools.” 

Professor Noel Purdy, co–author of the report, Director of the Centre for Research in Educational Underachievement at Stranmillis University College, and member of the Board added, “Our report confirms that this long list of cuts will increase poverty, widen existing educational attainment gaps, deepen the mental health crisis and exacerbate existing pressures facing the special educational needs system in Northern Ireland.  Our report includes 11 recommendations which focus on reversing these cuts and giving all of our children a ‘fair start’ in life.”

The Board is active in encouraging more Church of Ireland parishes to increase their support for local schools through any appropriate means. The Board wishes you well for the summer and the autumn term to follow.

Dr Peter Hamill
Secretary to the Church of Ireland Board of Education (NI)