IPPN

Published: 22 September 2011

A list of failing schools is to be identified within months, and some could face closure, as part of a major bid to drive up education standards, Stormont sources have said.

Education Minister John O'Dowd has remained tight-lipped on the blueprint for the future of his sector, which he is set to unveil in a major speech to the Assembly on Monday.

But it is understood the minister's address will herald efforts to tackle a range of inter-linked issues including educational under-achievement, falling pupil numbers, plus plans to encourage state and Catholic-maintained schools to co-operate or even amalgamate.

Schools seeking new builds will also have to meet criteria set down for developing an education network that meets the needs of local areas and is capable of providing high-level education into the future.