Jim Allister warns against ‘favouritism’ as schools funding row continues

TUV leader Jim Allister has warned against “favouritism” in school funding amid disappointment from the controlled schools sector over a recent cash injection.
TUV MLA Jim Allister has said he shares the disappointment of the controlled schools sector over capital fundingTUV MLA Jim Allister has said he shares the disappointment of the controlled schools sector over capital funding
TUV MLA Jim Allister has said he shares the disappointment of the controlled schools sector over capital funding

The chief executive of the Controlled Schools Support Council (CSSC), Barry Mulholland, said in an interview with the News Letter that he and the schools he represents are “very disappointed by what they perceive to be the under-representation within the latest capital release”.

Education Minister Peter Weir announced £156 in capital funding for nine schools last week – only one of which is from the controlled schools sector.

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Mr Mulholland said: “I would stress that we recognise the need for new buildings for schools in all sectors. But there is deep disappointment at the under-representation of schools in the controlled sector, particularly when we’re going in and out of schools and we can see the need.”

It has now emerged that there were more eligible applications for the funding from controlled schools than any other sector, following a query to the education minister from MLA Mr Allister.

He said: “I share the concerns expressed by Mr Mulholland and understand the disappointment of the controlled sector at their lack of success in applications to the major capital works programme.

“Last week I tabled a question to minister Weir asking for a breakdown of the number of schools which applied to the scheme and the number which were successful.”

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He continued: “I received the response today (Wednesday) and have been informed that there were a total of 89 eligible applications – 33 from the controlled sector, five from the Irish medium sector, six from the integrated sector, 13 from voluntary grammar schools and 32 from the Catholic maintained sector.

“Given that over one-third of eligible applications came from the controlled sector, it is natural that people should question why controlled schools made up just 11% of the successful applications while maintained schools made up over three-quarters of the successful applicants.

“Schools from all sectors which require new buildings should be looked at on their merits when it comes to the allocation of finite amounts of public money. It is critical that there is no favouritism towards one over another.”

A spokesman for the Department of Education said: ““All applications lodged under the latest major capital works call were assessed against the Protocol for 2019/20 Major Works Call for Projects,

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“This protocol is based on need. The largest areas of weighting in the scoring system relate to condition of existing accommodation, suitability of existing accommodation (to deliver the curriculum) and the level of reliance on temporary accommodation.”

The spokesperson added: “In order to incentivise rationalisation of the schools estate there are also additional marks relating to prior work that resulted in approval of a rationalisation proposal. Schools are prioritised based on this scoring system and announced in order of priority – regardless of sector.”