News, analysis, and updates on educational policies, school infrastructure, curriculum reforms, and programmes supporting students and educators in Northern Ireland.
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
The Education Minister has set out an ambitious timeline to overhaul Religious Education in Northern Ireland, with new regulations anticipated by autumn 2026 and implementation scheduled for September 2027. Paul Givan announced on Monday that schools must immediately begin supplementing the existing core syllabus with “additional, objective, critical and pluralistic
Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed the introduction of a new Armed Forces Bill at Westminster, pledging that his Department will “do all that it can” to make sure service children in Northern Ireland receive the support they need at school. The Bill extends the statutory Armed Forces Covenant duties
Education Minister Paul Givan has confirmed the appointment of the Reverend Dr Colin McClure to the Board of the Education Authority (EA). Nominated by the Transferors’ Representative Council, Rev Dr McClure will serve from 21 January 2026 until 31 March 2029, representing the interests of controlled schools across Northern Ireland.
The Department of Education has confirmed that Northern Ireland’s classroom teachers will receive a 4 % pay rise from 1 September 2025. Education Minister Paul Givan welcomed the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council’s decision to endorse the offer, calling it “a firm demonstration of support for teachers and the vital contribution
Education Minister Paul Givan has secured Executive approval for a Ministerial Direction that allows negotiations on Northern Ireland’s 2025–26 teachers’ pay award to begin in earnest. The decision, taken under the Executive’s Urgent Decision procedure, is presented as a vital step in preventing further delay to pay talks and in
