Ruadhán Jones
Bishop of Derry Dr Donal McKeown welcomed the announcement of a panel for an independent review of the North’s education sector, but warned it must be able to ask “awkward questions”.
After the panel was announced on Monday, Dr McKeown said that “the education system is doing very well for some, but is failing too many people”.
He warned that the panel must be independent enough to ask “awkward questions”, adding that some people “may not be comfortable” with their answers.
“The focus has to be on outcomes, rather than assuming that some sort of input is going to solve all our problems,” Bishop McKeown said.
Key commitment
A press statement from the Department of Education said that the establishment of the review is a “key commitment” within the New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) agreement.
This agreement sparked concerns among Catholics, as the deal said the way education is run at present – with a range of sectors and school types – is “not sustainable” and it promises a “fundamental review” as a basis for change.
Responding to concerns that there is a move in political circles to replace Catholic education in the North, Bishop McKeown said that “We have many problems other than a divided society – underachievement is one of them”.
❛❛The education system is doing very well for some, but is failing too many people”
“The main point is that Catholic education does exceptionally well, does better than other sectors, particularly for those who are multiply disadvantaged.”
Bishop McKeown welcomed the appointment of two experts to the panel of five who will provide “a strong voice” for Catholic education.
“Marie Lindsay, a principal here in Derry, is a fantastic educationalist committed to Catholic education, and a high achiever for non-selective schools,” he continued.
“And Gerry Loughran, who I’ve known for very many years. He was head of the Civil Service in Northern Ireland in the past, and is very much involved in the board of governors for Catholic schools.”
Good experience
“There are people around the table who will have a good experience of Catholic education. They will not be pushed into the background”.
Announcing the appointments, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen said the independent review “is an essential starting point for longer term reform, modernisation and transformation” of the North’s education sector.
The five panellists are: Chairperson Dr Keir Bloomer, Vice-Chairperson Sir Gerry Loughran, Marie Lindsay, Robin McLaughlin and Isabel Nisbet.