CCMS is the managing authority for all Catholic Maintained schools in Northern Ireland.
Catholic Maintained schools were originally founded by the trustees of congregational orders, educational trusts, and the dioceses of the Catholic church, and are now 'maintained' on our behalf by Boards of Governors.
Boards of Governors are made up of representatives of parents, teachers, the Department of Education, the Education Authority and trustees.
Catholic Maintained schools make up over 40% of all schools in Northern Ireland. In 2024/25 there were 31 Nursery, 346 Primary and 54 Post Primary Catholic Maintained schools. This includes 244 Specialist Units, one Irish Medium Primary School, and one Special School.
CCMS schools are part of the wider family of Catholic education institutions world-wide that enrich the lives of children from pre-school to third level education. They are funded by the state and teach the same common curriculum as all schools in Northern Ireland through the lens and values of Catholic education.
The benefits of Catholic education are described in our 'Delivering for Communities' publication and key qualities of CCMS schools include:
- Outcomes - CCMS Schools are all ability schools that do not require an entrance test to move to post primary
- Ethos - Children and young people are taught through the gospel values of love, faith and hope
- Welcome - Catholic Maintained schools embrace diversity and welcome children of all faiths and none