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  • Welcome to Department for Education

    Featured

    Education Minister pictured with the Independent Review of Assessment Panel members (l to r) Garry Matthewson, Tim Oates CBE and Dr Mick Walker

    Givan welcomes Independent Review of Assessment Report

    5 March 2026

    The Department of Education has published the findings from an Independent Review of Key Stage Assessment.

    Education Minister Paul Givan pictured at the launch of the SEN Reform Training project with project participants and representatives from the five further education colleges involved in delivering the project.

    SEN Reform Training project launched to enhance early years support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

    5 March 2026

    Paul Givan has launched a programme of training designed for classroom assistants who support children with SEN.

    Illustrated graphics that says - The Future of CCEA GCSE, AS and A Level Qualifications, New Reforms, Announced.

    Education Minister unveils reforms to GCSEs and A Levels in Northern Ireland

    3 March 2026

    Paul Givan has announced a major new policy framework for CCEA GCSE and A level qualifications.

    More news...

    Quick links

    • RAISE Programme
    • Consultation on the draft Executive ELC Strategy
    • Review of Northern Ireland Curriculum
    • TransformED NI
    • Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme
    • Qualifications
    • SEN Capital Investment Leaflet
    • Area Planning and Sustainable Schools Overview
    • Schools +

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    Our responsibilities

    Curriculum and learning

    Information to support the delivery of the curriculum in schools, raising standards and school improvement

    Children and Young People Issues

    Working together to improve the well-being of all children and young people in Northern Ireland.

    Pupils and parents

    Help and advice for pupils and parents on a range of educational and personal issues is available on nidirect, the government website for the public.

    Teaching staff

    Teachers' pay and conditions, including pensions and teacher training information

    Non-teaching staff

    Information for non teaching staff in relation to pay related issues and terms and conditions

    Schools and infrastructure

    Types of schools, schools’ management, transport to school, school admissions policy, area planning, and health and safety in schools.

    Support and development

    Support on issues including child protection and safeguarding, school meals and keeping children safe online

    Statistics and research

    Publications produced by Statistics and Research Team on behalf of the Department.Our statistical practice is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR).

    TransformED

    TransformED is the Department of Education's major education reform programme to transform teaching and learning in Northern Ireland. It focuses on the core areas of curriculum, assessment, qualifications, school improvement and tackling educational disadvantage. Reform in each of these areas will be underpinned by significant investment in high-quality teacher professional development.

    Good Relations and Social Change

    Good relations and social change, building a united community.

    We work with these bodies

    • Education Authority
    • Middletown Centre for Autism
    • Council for Catholic Maintained Schools
    • Governing Bodies Association NI
    • Education and Training Inspectorate
    • Catholic Schools Trustee Service (CSTS)
    • Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education
    • General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland
    • Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta
    • Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA)
    • Controlled Schools’ Support Council

    Our documents

    Our publications

    • TransformED Implementation Roadmap – Curriculum, Assessment and Qualifications Reform

      Published 6 March 2026
    • March 2026 - Newsletter - Shy Students and Classroom Participation

      Published 6 March 2026
    • Guidance for HEIs - Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Bursary Scheme Guidance 2026 to 2027 Academic Year

      Published 6 March 2026
    See all our publications

    Our consultations

    • Consultation on the Five-Year Education Budget Strategy: Delivering a Stable, Sustainable and High-Quality Education System

      Closes 03 April 2026
    • Consultation on the draft Executive ELC Strategy

      Closes 24 March 2026
    • Consultation on a pupil attendance strategy - Attendance Matters

      Consultation closed
    See all our consultations

    Access to information

    How to request information from the Department of Education including Freedom of Information (FOI) and the use of our Publication Scheme. The Department publishes responses to requests for information made under FOI in its Disclosure Log

    The Minister

    Paul Givan Photo

    Minister for the Department of Education

    Paul Givan MLA was appointed Minister for the Department of Education.

    About us

    The Department’s primary statutory duty is to promote the education of the people of Northern Ireland and to ensure the effective implementation of education policy.

    Read more about the department

    Corporate information

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    Contact us

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    Telephone: 028 9127 9279
    Email: DE.DEWebMail@education-ni.gov.uk

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    Frequently viewed contacts

    • Teachers' Pay Team
    • Teachers' Pensions Team
    • Education Authority
    • General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI)
    • Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment (CCEA)
    • Intercultural Education Service (IES)

    See all contacts

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