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.