Former exam board boss settles CCEA case for £100k

Margaret Farragher led CCEA through the first GCSE, BTEC, AS and A-level summer exams pupils in Northern Ireland sat after the Covid pandemic

Northern Ireland's exams board has paid about £100,000 to settle a case taken by its former interim chief executive, BBC News NI understands.

Margaret Farragher had claimed she was subjected to sex, race and age discrimination by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).

She had also claimed constructive dismissal - defined as being forced to leave her job against her will due to her employer's conduct.

The case was settled without admission of liability but the exact amount of the settlement has not been made public.

CCEA is the body which oversees Northern Ireland's exam system and the curriculum for schools.

It is funded by the Department of Education (DE) and is a non-departmental public body (NDPB) of the department.

When contacted by BBC News NI, a spokesperson for CCEA, said they could "confirm that this case has been concluded and a settlement has been reached".

"The case was settled with no admission of liability," they continued.

"CCEA will continue to focus on the delivery of curriculum, examinations and assessment in Northern Ireland, enabling the full potential of all learners to be achieved and recognised.”

In a statement, a DE spokesperson said: “The department can confirm that it was aware of the case and that it has been settled.”

The case was settled with no admission of liability

Ms Farragher led CCEA through the first GCSE, BTEC, AS and A-level summer exams pupils in Northern Ireland sat after the Covid pandemic.

But she resigned in June 2022 before students were provided with their grades.

In her resignation letter she claimed that she had been "treated less favourably and faced ongoing harassment and bullying" at the organisation.

She said that had made her position "untenable".

In her resignation letter, Ms Farragher said also she had made CCEA officials "aware of the difficulties I have encountered since taking up the role".

When contacted by BBC News NI through her legal representative regarding the settlement of her case, Ms Farragher issued a statement.

"I am relieved the process is finally over," she said.

"I am grateful to the many colleagues, principals, and teacher associations for their unwavering support," she said.

Ms Farragher is now the chief executive of the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), the organisation which represents the eight largest providers of qualifications in the UK.