AQW 32916/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils living in families who have homelessness status, in each of the last three academic years that have been supported through the exceptional circumstances process to access transport to attend school as a result of being moved to temporary accommodation outside of the school catchment area.

Asked by Nick Mathison MLA on 7 October 2025

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
7 October 2025
Answer due by
22 October 2025
Answered
21 October 202514 days after tabling
Department
Department of Education
Priority question
No

Answer

Neither my Department nor the Education Authority (EA) holds records of pupils living in families with homelessness status that have been supported through the exceptional circumstances process for transport assistance. Not all children and Young people experiencing homelessness disclose their living arrangements.

However, data is available for successful exceptional circumstances appeals where transport assistance was granted due to enforced relocation to temporary accommodation outside the school catchment area:

Summary of Successful Appeals:

Academic YearSuccessful CasesReasonNotes
2022/231Intimidation-
2023/2454 x Intimidation
1 x Property was
Condemned by
Local council
4 out of the 5
successful cases were
siblings
2024/251Intimidation-
2025/26
year to date
0--

Official sources