O’Dowd receives findings of viability audit of schools

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has taken receipt of the viability audit reports prepared by Education and Library Boards working in close conjunction with CCMS.
~ Tuesday, 17 January 2012

The audit, announced as part of the Minister’s autumn statement to the Assembly ‘Putting Pupils First: Shaping our Future’, was commissioned to identify clearly those schools currently experiencing stress in remaining educationally viable.

The aim of the exercise was to provide a comprehensive picture of how all schools are performing against the key criteria of enrolments, educational standards and financial viability.

Commenting on the reports, Mr O’Dowd said: “The completion of the viability audit is an important first step in the development of coherent, area plans for the provision of education across the north.

“My officials will be considering the information provided over the coming days. The audit provides the Education and Library Boards, along with CCMS, with the information they require to begin the process of area planning for the provision of education.

“Area planning will ensure we can plan a sustainable network of schools that will provide a broad and challenging curriculum for their pupils.”

In conclusion the Minister said: “I want to reiterate that the viability audit is not the end of a process – it is an important stage in the development of area-based plans. At the heart of this work is the need to ensure the pattern of provision meets the needs and aspirations of our young people.”

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