Specialist Schools Programme

The objectives of the Specialist School programme are closely linked to the key aims of the E2S programme and will contribute significantly to improving choice for pupils and parents and raising standards for all young people.

Specialist status builds whole school improvement by learning and applying the lessons from those areas in which the school is already strong to other areas of the curriculum.  Of equal importance are the links that specialism builds with other schools in the area, further disseminating good practice and increasing collaboration.  Links with local businesses and the community are also fostered, bringing a range of benefits and giving pupils new access to expertise and learning experiences.

The Specialist Schools programme was launched in September 2006 and to date a total of 34 schools have been awarded Specialist Schools status, 12 schools in Year 1, 13 schools in Year 2 and 9 schools in Year 3. Schools participating receive additional resources of £100 per pupil for 4 years and a one-off support grant.

Specialist Schools Programme Year 4 announced

The Minister of Education, Caitríona Ruane, announced the outcome of the Specialist Schools Cohort 4 application process on 22 April 2009. Press Release - Specialist Schools funding announced - PDF 49.8KB

The Department of Education announced the opening of the 4^th round of applications for inclusion in the Northern Ireland Specialist Schools Programme on 21st November 2008. Circular 2008/23 - Specialist Schools Cohort 4 PDF 119KB and (the Irish version) describes the application and approval process for September 2009 designation, including the timescales for applications and decisions.  

The core objectives of the Specialist School concept in Northern Ireland remain essentially unchanged for the fourth year of the programme

• To provide opportunities for pupils to benefit from wider learning experiences and to ensure maximum impact of the available expertise and resources, by promoting co-operation and collaboration among schools and between schools and other providers of education and training for 14-19 year-olds;
• To provide parents with greater choice among a range of schools, which have differing areas of focus;
• To raise standards and realise performance improvement for all young people; and
• To develop links between schools, their local communities and the economy to ensure that all young people are given a strong foundation for lifelong learning and work.

All post-primary schools with pupils in each of the year groups in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 are eligible to apply for inclusion in the Specialist Schools Programme except those schools currently –

• In the School Support Programme; or
• Already designated as Specialist Schools.

Circular 2008/23(a)-Year 4 Specialist Schools Application Guidance-PDF 171 KB outlines the arrangements and application process for schools seeking designation from September 2009. Schools wishing to complete an application should contact the Department of Education at the address below. A copy of the application form will be forwarded by email.

Email: 14-19team@deni.gov.uk

For further information there is a series of Frequently Asked Questions PDF 52 KB relating to the application process.