News, analysis, and updates on educational policies, school infrastructure, curriculum reforms, and programmes supporting students and educators in Northern Ireland.
Education Minister Paul Givan has launched a public consultation on draft guidance governing the use of physical restraint and seclusion in Northern Ireland schools, marking a significant step toward formalising safeguards for vulnerable pupils. The proposed framework aims to reduce reliance on restrictive interventions and introduce mandatory recording of serious […]
The Department of Health has published new guidance to help nurses and midwives identify domestic abuse, aiming to standardise how healthcare professionals across Northern Ireland spot and respond to victims. The Routine Enquiry into Domestic Abuse Guidance, launched jointly by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Justice Minister Naomi Long ahead
Education Minister Paul Givan has unveiled sweeping reforms to GCSE and A Level qualifications in Northern Ireland that will scrap AS Levels and significantly reduce the number of exams students must sit. Announced on 3 March 2026, the changes form a central pillar of the TransformED strategy and aim to
The Department of Health has launched a new framework to control spending on temporary medical and dental staff, introducing price caps for locum doctors and dentists for the first time in Northern Ireland. The initiative, announced on 2 March 2026, represents the latest phase in a four-year campaign to reduce
Every school in Northern Ireland now has a life-saving defibrillator on site, the Education Minister has confirmed, completing a fifteen-month rollout that equips all campuses—from nurseries to post-primaries—with emergency cardiac equipment. Announced on 25 February 2026, the completion of this rollout fulfils a commitment made in November 2024, when a
The Department of Education has launched a public Call for Evidence on revising Northern Ireland’s Religious Education (RE) Core Syllabus, following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that found the current Christian-focused curriculum unlawful. The online survey, which closes on 20 March 2026, invites parents, teachers, faith groups, and young people
The Department of Education has published a report revealing strong public backing for retaining GCSEs and A levels in Northern Ireland while overhauling assessment structures to ease pressure on pupils and teachers. Released on 18 February 2026, the consultation report captures feedback from over 3,500 respondents and nearly 4,500 young
Education Minister Paul Givan has launched a new Digital Proficiency Course designed to help pupils navigate online risks safely. Unveiled at Braniel Primary School in Belfast on 5 February 2026, the free programme draws comparisons with the traditional Cycling Proficiency Scheme, adapted for the digital age, and will be activated
The Education Authority has formally launched a new Controlled Schools’ Unit (CSU) to deliver dedicated support to Northern Ireland’s largest education sector. The unit, unveiled at Belfast Boys’ Model School on 4 February 2026, represents the first phase of a major restructuring designed to give controlled schools parity with other
Education Minister Paul Givan has launched an eight-week public consultation on a five-year budget strategy acknowledging that Northern Ireland’s education system faces a “financial crisis” requiring structural reform. Published on 4 February 2026, the plan warns that without significant changes, the funding gap for schools could exceed £1.15 billion by
