The Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

Part II of this Order makes new provision for the education of children with special educational needs. Part III of this Order contains miscellaneous amendments to the law of education. The principal amendments—

(a) provide for an Independent Schools Tribunal to hear appeals concerning independent schools;

(b) provide for the appointment of lay persons to assist in the inspection of educational and other establishments;

(c) amend the requirements of the curriculum at key stage 4;

(d) simplify the procedure for acquisition of grant-maintained integrated or controlled integrated status;

(e) provide new powers for trustees in relation to the proceeds of the disposal of school premises;

(f) provide for the incorporation of Boards of Governors and governing bodies of institutions of further education; and

(g) confer on boards a power to direct the admission of a child to a grant-aided school in certain circumstances.