THE outgoing head of the Catholic schools body says the "lack of adequate funding for education" is one of the biggest challenges he has faced during his tenure.

As he prepares to leave his role as CCMS chief executive, Gerry Campbell said funding shortfalls have "now reached crisis levels".

He has also spoke about his belief that there is still a need for faith education in an increasingly secular society.

"Catholic and other faith-based schools exist across the world because parents have the right to choose an education provision in line with their religious and philosophical convictions," he said.

Mr Campbell has held the position at CCMS since 2017, but is to become head of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), which runs most of the GCSE, AS and A-level qualifications taken by pupils in Northern Ireland.

Speaking ahead of his departure, he said the "the impact of systemic underfunding" had been a major issue during his tenure.

"One of the main challenges I have faced during my time as chief executive of CCMS is lack of adequate funding for education," he said.

"This has now reached crisis levels. I have listened to many principals during my time as CEO all of whom have expressed their significant concerns about the impact of systemic underfunding and expressed to me in real terms the effect that this has on the young people in their care.

"Alongside the chief executives from the other educational organisations, we continue to engage with politicians to outline the significant funding challenges in education and the inequities for when comparing Northern Ireland to England Scotland and Wales."

Asked if there were any matters he felt remained unfinished as he leaves the role, Mr Campbell said there is "still work remaining" in special educational needs provision.

"I am passionate about supporting special educational needs and have worked with colleagues to support an education system which guarantees all children will be funded to enable their potential," he said.

"A system in which additional funds are available to provide support for more targeted interventions, to enable a level playing field for all young people to reduce underachievement.

"I welcomed the SEN pilot scheme across the wider education sector during my tenure and was proud of the role that CCMS had delivering research publications including: 'A call for Change: Time for Action' study into meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs, and the CCMS study into the provision of nursery schools and nursery units.

"I recognise that there is still work remaining in this area but hope that the foundation of this research along will help to inform the forward trajectory."

He also said he believed there is still a need for faith-based education.

"Catholic and other faith-based schools exist across the world because parents have the right to choose an education provision in line with their religious and philosophical convictions," he said.

"Our education system is reflective of a maturing and diverse society. The range of sectors within Northern Ireland contributes to the wellbeing of the education system as a whole through the pursuit of genuine excellence whilst remaining faithful to each sections culture, vision, and approach.

"Initiatives such as the shared education programme provide a safe space to encourage constructive dialogue, and support the development of mutual understanding; in so doing they enhance communities and provide the opportunity for the holistic growth of children and young people from all sectors maintained, controlled, integrated and Irish medium."

Mr Campbell added he believes his role with CCMS will benefit him as he moves to CCEA, where he hopes to "cultivate a culture that recognises the journey taken by the learner irrespective of route to fulfil their full potential".