Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum
The Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum commenced in November 2024 and was a key commitment within the TransformED Strategy and Delivery Plan.
The terms of reference for the review are below:-
The review was carried out by Lucy Crehan, an educational consultant and former teacher with experience in working in high performing education systems.
The final report, “A Foundation for the Future: Developing Capabilities Through a Knowledge-Rich Curriculum in Northern Ireland”, was published on 3 June in three parts, as follows:
The report included two appendices that provided an analysis of the submissions received and evidence provided during focus groups and engagements; and the responses from the teacher survey.
- Appendix I: Summary of stakeholder engagement and analysis of recurring themes
- Appendix II: Survey analysis report
The findings of the Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum were published at an event at the Riddell Hall, Belfast. The launch included a speech from the Education Minister Paul Givan:
The Department’s response to the findings and recommendations of the Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum can be found here :
The response considers the 21 recommendations made by Lucy Crehan within her report of 3 June 2025, entitled “A Foundation for the Future: Developing Capabilities Through a Knowledge-Rich Curriculum in Northern Ireland”.
The recommendations primarily focus on the need for a new curriculum framework in Northern Ireland and the appropriate approach to delivering reform.
In June, the Minister announced the establishment of a Curriculum Taskforce to take forward the design and development of the new curriculum.
The Taskforce will be chaired by leading educationalist Christine Counsell, with Lucy Crehan as Deputy Chair. Today, alongside the response to the Review, the Minister published Terms of Reference to guide the work of the Taskforce.
In August, the Minister announced the full membership of the Curriculum Taskforce Advisory Committee (TAC). The Committee includes a wealth of experience of curriculum design, classroom practice, evaluation and implementation.
The Taskforce Advisory Committee will be supported by a series of subject working groups made up of local teachers and subject specialists that will develop relevant capabilities and content, linked to specific curricular strands and subjects.
Full biographies and information on each of the TAC members can be found in the link below.
Curriculum Taskforce - Working Groups - Expressions of Interest Information Booklet
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced the next phase of curriculum reform in Northern Ireland, as applications open for local educators to join Curriculum Taskforce Working Groups.
Applications are welcome from experienced educators both within schools and Further and Higher Education Institutes.
The working groups will:
- Draft curriculum content for specific subjects and key stages.
- Help shape an ambitious and knowledge-rich curriculum that is grounded in classroom experience, capable of responding to the diverse needs of learners, schools and communities.
- Collaborate with experts to ensure the new curriculum is structured to be continuous and coherent.
Working groups will be established in October 2025 and carry out their work between November to February, with the full framework scheduled for consultation in March 2026.
Full details on the work of the working groups can be found in the Expressions of Interest Information Booklet.
Privacy Notice
Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum - Privacy Notice
All applications must be submitted by 2 October 2025.