Education Minister Paul Givan has announced plans to develop tailored curriculum frameworks for Special Schools and Irish-medium education, acknowledging that the current Northern Ireland Curriculum does not adequately meet the needs of pupils in these sectors. Applications opened today for experienced practitioners to join dedicated working groups that will shape the new bespoke strands, with the groups set to begin work in September 2026.
The move follows findings from the Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, which found that the existing framework does not adequately serve many pupils in Special Schools or those educated through the medium of Irish.
Bespoke Curriculum Development Announced
Paul Givan confirmed that targeted work is now underway to create distinct curriculum pathways for two sectors historically underserved by the current system. The Department of Education is inviting applications from frontline educators to join working groups that will draft content reflecting the specific linguistic, developmental and pedagogical demands of these pupils.
Paul Givan said:
“We have been working to develop a curriculum that is ambitious, well-sequenced and progressive. Building on this foundation, I am now taking forward targeted work to develop a bespoke curriculum for Special Schools and bespoke curriculum strands to support Irish-medium education. It is essential that this work is shaped by those with direct, frontline experience.”
The Minister emphasised that the reforms aim to ensure parity of ambition while recognising difference. He continued:
“I want to ensure that the new Northern Ireland curriculum fully reflects the needs of pupils in Special Schools, supporting learning that is accessible, meaningful and tailored to individual development. I also want to strengthen provision for Irish-medium education to ensure pupils can access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers, while recognising the distinct linguistic, developmental and pedagogical demands of immersion learning.”
Leadership Appointments
To lead the Special Schools curriculum development, the Minister has appointed Professor Noel Purdy OBE as chair of the working group. James Curran MBE, Principal of Harberton Special School, will serve as vice-chair.
Professor Purdy said:
“This is vitally important work and represents a significant opportunity to create a world-leading curriculum framework that places accessible, meaningful and developmentally appropriate learning at its heart for pupils across the range of special school contexts.”
For Irish-medium education, the Department has appointed Orla Flanagan, Principal of Gaelscoil na bhFál, who is currently on secondment to the Department of Education, to coordinate the development of dedicated curriculum strands.
Working Group Structure and Applications
The working groups will commence operations in September 2026. The Department has established distinct structures for each sector:
- Special Schools Working Group: Will review current curriculum approaches, identify core curriculum entitlements for pupils, develop a flexible non-linear progression model, and produce draft curriculum content and implementation guidance.
- Irish-medium Working Groups: Five subject-specific groups will cover:
- Irish (as a subject)
- English and biliteracy
- Mathematics
- History, Geography and Science (Key Stages 1–3)
- Language acquisition through History, Geography and Science (Foundation Stage)
Applications must be submitted by Friday 3 July 2026. Qualified teachers and subject experts can apply via the Department’s Citizen Space portal:
Further details are available on the Department’s curriculum reform page.
Additional Curriculum Materials
Over the coming months, the Department will publish further curriculum materials and commission additional workstreams to support implementation. These include a new Religious Education syllabus, evidence-informed pedagogical principles to support effective classroom practice, and a Key Stage 4 and post-16 enrichment curriculum designed to broaden pupils’ educational experiences and preparation for adult life.