Search Legislation

Advanced Search

The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986

Changes to legislation:

The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 19 September 2020. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Help about Changes to Legislation

Close

Changes to Legislation

Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the affected provisions when you open the content using the Table of Contents below.

  1. Introductory Text

  2. PART I PRELIMINARY

    1. 1.Title and commencement

    2. 2.Interpretation

  3. PART II EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES THEREOF

    1. 3.Education and library boards

    2. 4.Committees

  4. PART III PROVISION OF EDUCATION

    1. The statutory system of education

      1. 5. Stages and purposes of statutory system of education

    2. Powers and duties of boards in relation to primary and secondary education

      1. 6.Duty of boards to secure provision of primary and secondary education

      2. 7.Provision, maintenance and management of controlled schools by boards

      3. 8.Duties of boards in relation to certain voluntary schools

      4. 9. Power of boards to assist voluntary grammar schools and direct grant voluntary intermediate schools

    3. School management

      1. 9A. Schemes of management

      2. 9B.Preparation of schemes of management

      3. 9C.Approval or imposition of scheme of management by Department

      4. 9D.Revision of schemes of management

      5. 10.Management of controlled schools

      6. 11.Management of voluntary schools

      7. 12. Limitation on membership of Boards of Governors

      8. 13.Miscellaneous provisions relating to Boards of Governors

    4. Establishment, recognition and discontinuance of, and effecting of changes to, grant-aided schools

      1. 14.Proposals as to primary and secondary education

      2. 15.Establishment and recognition of grant-aided schools

      3. 16.Discontinuance of grant-aided schools

      4. 17.Transfer of voluntary schools

      5. 17A. Regulations as to carrying on of grant‐aided schools

      6. 18. Standard of school premises

      7. Arts. 19, 20 rep. by 1989 NI 20

    5. Religious education in schools

      1. 21.Religious education in controlled and voluntary schools other than nursery and special schools

      2. 22.Duties of teachers in controlled schools as to collective worship and religious instruction

      3. 23.Religious instruction not to be inspected, but complaints to be investigated, by Department

    6. Arts. 24‐28 rep. by 1989 NI 20

    7. Arts. 29‐34 rep. by 1996 NI 1

    8. Art. 35 rep. by 1987 NI 2

    9. Art. 36 rep. by 1996 NI 1

    10. Recreational, social, physical, cultural and youth service activities

      1. 37.Provision of facilities for recreational, social, physical, cultural and youth service activities

  5. PART IV INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

    1. 38.Registration of independent schools

    2. 39.Complaints

    3. 40.Appeals against complaints

    4. 41.Enforcement

    5. 42.Orders made under other enactments

    6. 43.Removal of disqualifications

  6. PART V RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF PARENTS AND PROVISIONS RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL PUPILS

    1. General

      1. 44.Pupils to be educated in accordance with wishes of their parents

      2. 45.Duties of parents to secure full-time education for their children

      3. 46.Compulsory school age

      4. 46A.Commencement of secondary education

      5. 47.Presumption as to age

      6. 48.Registration of pupils at school

      7. 49. Suspension and expulsion of pupils

      8. Art. 49A rep. by 2003 NI 12

    2. Provisions to assist persons to take advantage of educational facilities

      1. 50.Provision of awards by boards

      2. 51.Provision of awards by Department

      3. 52. Provision of transport for, and payment of travelling expenses of, certain pupils

      4. 53.Provision of board and lodging otherwise than at school

      5. 54.Payment of whole or part of cost of board and lodging otherwise than at school for pupils aged 18 and over

      6. Art. 55 rep. by 1997 NI 15

      7. Art. 56 rep. by 1989 NI 20

      8. 57.Provision of books and materials and payment of examination fees by boards

    3. Provision of food and clothing

      1. 58.Provision of milk, meals and related facilities

      2. 59.Provisions supplementary to Article 58

      3. 60.Provision of clothing etc. for pupils attending grant-aided schools or institutions of further education

    4. Medical and dental inspection and medical examination

      1. 61.Facilities for medical and dental inspection, etc.

      2. 62.Power of Department as to medical examination

    5. Employment of children and young persons

      1. 63.Adaptation of enactments relating to the employment of children or young persons

      2. 64.Power of boards to prohibit or restrict employment of children

  7. PART VI TEACHERS

    1. 65.Employment of teachers by the Authority

    2. 66.Training of teachers

    3. 67.Control of numbers, qualifications, etc. of students

    4. 68.Appointment of teachers

    5. 69. Salaries and other terms and conditions of employment of teachers

    6. 69A.Payment of salaries, etc. of teachers

    7. 70.Regulations as to employment of teachers

    8. 71.Interchange of teachers with teachers outside Northern Ireland

    9. 72.Redundancy payments to teachers in certain voluntary schools and in grant‐maintained integrated schools

  8. PART VII LIBRARY SERVICES

    1. 73.Provision of library services by boards

    2. 74.Development schemes

    3. 75.Standards of library premises

    4. 76.Contributions between boards in respect of library services

    5. 77.Charges for library services

    6. 78.Bye-laws in respect of use of library facilities

    7. 78A. Interpretation of Part VII

  9. PART VIII ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

    1. Administration

      1. 79.Payments to members of boards, etc.

      2. 80.Payments in respect of official visits, etc.

      3. 81.Members of a board not to be employed as paid officers of the board

      4. 82.The Staff Commission

      5. 83.Officers of boards

      6. 84.Loans to officers for purchase of motor cars and motor cycles

      7. 85.Prohibition of acceptance of unauthorised fee or reward and duty to disclose pecuniary interest

      8. 86.Insurance against risks by boards

      9. 87.Protection for officers acting in execution of duty

      10. 88.Appointment of non-teaching staff for controlled and maintained schools

      11. 88A.Regulations as to employment of certain non‐teaching staff

      12. 89.Provision of residences by boards

      13. 90.Teachers' residences provided etc. by statutory loan prior to 1st February 1922

      14. Art. 91 rep. by 1989 NI 20

      15. 91A.Use of spare capacity of computers of board

      16. 92.Power of boards as to research and conferences

      17. 93.Contributions to certain bodies

      18. 94.Making of bye-laws by boards

      19. 95.Admission of public to, and facilities for newspaper representatives at, meetings of boards

      20. 96.Notice and information to be given as to meetings of boards

      21. 97.Certain publications to be privileged

      22. 98.Inspection of minutes of proceedings of boards

      23. 99.Determination of disputes between boards

      24. 100.Determination of disputes

      25. 101.Power of Department to give directions

      26. 102. Inspection of educational and other establishments by Department

      27. 102A.Lay persons

      28. Art. 103 rep. by 2003 NI 12

      29. Art. 104 rep. by 1987 NI 2

      30. 105.Acquisition by Department of land

      31. 106.Functions of boards in relation to land

      32. 107.Transfer to board of certain assets of Department

      33. Art. 108 rep. by 2005 c. 12

      34. 109.Power of Head of the Department to appoint advisory bodies or committees

      35. 110.Conduct of examinations by Department

    2. Finance

      1. 111.Power of boards to accept gifts

      2. 112.Borrowing powers of boards

      3. Art. 113 rep. by 2003 NI 12

      4. Art. 114 rep. by 2003 NI 12

      5. 115. Grants for educational or library services, etc.

      6. 116.Building and equipment grants for voluntary schools

      7. Arts. 117, 118 rep. by 1989 NI 20

      8. Art. 119 rep. by 2003 NI 12

      9. 119A. Recovery by Department of certain premature retirement compensation costs

  10. Part IX (Arts. 120‐126) rep. by 1989 NI 20

  11. PART X MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL

    1. 127.Transfer of certain institutions to Department

    2. 128.Use of land provided or maintained under this Order

    3. 129.Publication of notices

    4. 130.Service of notices on, and authentication of notices by, boards

    5. 131.Evidence of documents

    6. 131A. Exceptions for schools established in hospitals

    7. 132.Amendments

    8. 133.Transitional and saving provisions

    9. 134.Regulations

    10. Article 135—Repeals

  12. SCHEDULES

    1. SCHEDULE 1

      NAMES AND AREAS OF EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

      1. . . . . . . . . . ....

    2. SCHEDULE 2

      EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

      1. PART I CONSTITUTION OF BOARDS

        1. Appointment of members

          1. 1.EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

        2. Members nominated by district councils

          1. 2.EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

        3. Other members

          1. 3.EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

          2. 4.EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

        4. Resignation and disqualification of members

          1. 5.EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

          2. 6.EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

        5. Disclosure of pecuniary interest and relevant family relationships.

          1. 7.EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

        6. Recovery of wrongful gains and remedies against member guilty of reprehensible conduct.

          1. 8.EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

      2. PART II PROCEEDINGS OF BOARDS

        1. 9.EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

        2. 10.EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

        3. 11.EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

        4. 12.EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

        5. 13.EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

    3. SCHEDULE 3

      CONSTITUTION OF TEACHING APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEES AND LIBRARY COMMITTEES

      1. PART I TEACHING APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEES

        1. 1.CONSTITUTION OF TEACHING APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEES AND LIBRARY COMMITTEES

        2. 2.CONSTITUTION OF TEACHING APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEES AND LIBRARY COMMITTEES

        3. 3.CONSTITUTION OF TEACHING APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEES AND LIBRARY COMMITTEES

        4. 4.CONSTITUTION OF TEACHING APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEES AND LIBRARY COMMITTEES

      2. PART II LIBRARY COMMITTEES

        1. 5.CONSTITUTION OF TEACHING APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEES AND LIBRARY COMMITTEES

    4. SCHEDULE 4

      MEMBERSHIP OF BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF CONTROLLED SCHOOLS

      1. (1) The Board of Governors of one or more than...

        1. 1.(1) The Board of Governors of one or more than...

        2. Controlled primary schools (other than nursery or integrated schools)

          1. 2.(1) There shall be 9, 16 or 24 voting members...

        3. Controlled secondary schools (other than controlled grammar or integrated schools or technical secondary schools)

          1. 3.(1) There shall be 9, 16 or 24 voting members...

        4. Controlled grammar schools (other than controlled integrated grammar schools), controlled nursery schools (other than controlled integrated nursery schools) and special schools

          1. 4.There shall be 8, 16 or 24 voting members appointed...

        5. Controlled integrated schools

          1. 5.(1) There shall be 14 or 21 voting members appointed...

        6. Provisions supplementary to paragraphs 2 to 5

          1. 6.(1) Where the Authority proposes to appoint persons to a...

        7. Interpretation

          1. 7.In this Schedule— “assistant teacher” means a teacher, other than...

    5. SCHEDULE 5

      MAINTAINED SCHOOLS

      1. PART I MEMBERSHIP OF BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF MAINTAINED SCHOOL

        1. 1.(1) The trustees of a maintained school shall, notwithstanding anything...

        2. 2.(1) Where this paragraph applies in relation to the membership...

        3. 3.(1) Where this paragraph applies in relation to the membership...

        4. 4.(1) The coming into force, or termination, of any agreement...

      2. Part II (Paras. 5,6) rep. by 1996 NI 1

        1. Part II (Paras. 5,6) rep. by 1996 NI 1

      3. PART III INTERPRETATION

        1. 7.(1) In this Schedule— “assistant teacher” has the meaning assigned...

    6. SCHEDULE 6

      MEMBERSHIP OF BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF VOLUNTARY GRAMMAR SCHOOL ENTERING INTO AGREEMENT WITH DEPARTMENT

      1. 1.(1) The trustees of a voluntary grammar school shall, notwithstanding...

      2. 2.(1) The trustees of a voluntary grammar school in relation...

      3. 3.(1) Where an agreement under paragraph 1(1)(a) is in force...

      4. 4.(1) Where this paragraph applies in relation to the membership...

      5. 5.(1) Where this paragraph applies in relation to the membership...

      6. 6.(1) The coming into force, or termination, of any agreement...

      7. 7.In this Schedule “assistant teacher” has the meaning assigned to...

    7. SCHEDULE 7

      MEMBERSHIP OF BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF VOLUNTARY GRAMMAR SCHOOL NOT ENTERING INTO AGREEMENT WITH DEPARTMENT OR BOARD

      1. 1.Nothwithstanding anything in any instrument of government of a voluntary...

      2. 2.(1) The Board of Governors of the school shall consist...

      3. 3.In this Schedule “assistant teacher” has the meaning assigned to...

    9. SCHEDULE 9

      TRANSFER OF VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS TO DEPARTMENT

      1. 1.An arrangement for transferring a school to the Department under...

      2. 2.An arrangement under this Schedule may provide for an absolute...

      3. 3.An arrangement under this Schedule may also provide for the...

      4. 4.Where an arrangement is made under this Schedule, it shall...

      5. 5.Where any person has any right given him by the...

      6. 6.The Department shall consider and have due regard to any...

      7. 7.Where the trust instrument contains any provision for the alienation...

      8. 8.Where a transfer of a school is made in pursuance...

      9. 9.Where an arrangement under this Schedule provides for the transfer...

    13. SCHEDULE 13

      ENFORCEMENT OF DUTY IMPOSED BY ARTICLE 45 AS TO EDUCATION OF CHILDREN OF COMPULSORY SCHOOL AGE

      1. PART I SCHOOL ATTENDANCE ORDERS

        1. 1.(1) If it appears to the Authority that a parent...

        2. 1A.(1) Sub-paragraphs (2) to (5) apply where the Authority is...

        3. 1B.(1) Sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) apply where the Authority is...

        4. 2.(1) This paragraph applies where a school attendance order is...

      2. PART II DUTY OF PARENT OF REGISTERED PUPIL TO SECURE HIS REGULAR ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL

        1. 3.(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, it...

      3. PART III OFFENCES, PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT

        1. 4.(1) Where a parent on whom a school attendance order...

        2. 5.(1) Before instituting proceedings against a parent for an offence...

        3. 6.(1) The court before which a prosecution is brought for...

        4. Para. 7 rep. by 1995 NI 2

        5. 8.For the purposes of a prosecution of the parent of...

        6. Para. 9 rep. by 1995 NI 2

        7. 10.(1) Proceedings for an offence under this Schedule shall not...

    15. SCHEDULE 15

      THE STAFF COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

      1. 1.THE STAFF COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

      2. 2.THE STAFF COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

      3. 3.THE STAFF COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

      4. 4.THE STAFF COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

      5. 5.THE STAFF COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

      6. 6.THE STAFF COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

      7. 7.THE STAFF COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

      8. 8.THE STAFF COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARDS

    16. SCHEDULE 16

      MODIFICATIONS OF SCHEDULE 6 TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT (NORTHERN IRELAND) 1972 FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLES 105(4) AND 106(2)

      1. PART I MODIFICATIONS OF SCHEDULE 6 TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT (NORTHERN IRELAND) 1972 FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 105(4)

        1. 1.References to the Ministry concerned or to the council shall...

        2. 2.References to the said Schedule 6 shall be construed as...

        3. 3.Paragraph 1 shall be omitted.

        4. 4.In paragraph 2— (a) for the words from the beginning...

        5. 5.For paragraph 3(1)(ii) there shall be substituted “ decide not...

        6. 6.In paragraph 4 the words from “and may provide” to...

        7. 7.In paragraph 5— (a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a) the words “in...

        8. 8.In paragraph 6(2) for the words “fund out of which...

        9. 9.In paragraph 11(3) the words “in the prescribed form” shall...

        10. 10.In paragraph 12 in sub-paragraph (1) the words “such” and...

        11. 11.In paragraph 14(1), the words “in the prescribed form” shall...

        12. 12.In paragraph 15(1) for the words “in the prescribed form”...

        13. 13.Paragraph 19 shall be omitted.

        14. 14.In paragraph 20, sub-paragraph (2) shall be omitted.

      2. PART II MODIFICATIONS OF SCHEDULE 6 TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT (NORTHERN IRELAND) 1972 FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 106(2)

        1. 1.For any reference to a council or the council or...

        2. 2.For any reference to the Ministry concerned there shall be...

        3. 3.For any reference to that Act there shall be substituted...

        4. 4.Any references to that Schedule shall be construed as references...

        5. 5.For any reference to a matter prescribed by regulations made...

        6. 6.In paragraphs 2(c) and 5(2) for the words “as may...

        7. 7.Paragraph 19 shall be omitted.

    19. SCHEDULE 19

      TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

      1. General

        1. 1.In so far as anything done or having effect as...

        2. 2.Where any period of time specified in any provision repealed...

      2. School management

        1. 3.(1) This paragraph applies to a voluntary grammar school the...

        2. 4.(1) This paragraph applies to a voluntary grammar school, the...

      3. Para. 5 rep. by 1996 NI 1 Para. 6 rep....

        1. Para. 5 rep. by 1996 NI 1

        2. Para. 6 rep. by 1993 NI 12

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

You have chosen to open The Whole Order

The Whole Order you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Order as a PDF

The Whole Order you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Order

The Whole Order you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

Close

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

Close

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources
Close

Timeline of Changes

This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.

Close

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as made version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources