Summary
The Department of Education is seeking views on the draft Northern Ireland Curriculum Framework 2028. This consultation sets out a new, knowledge-rich curriculum designed to improve clarity, coherence and progression for all learners. Responses from stakeholders will inform the final design of the curriculum prior to implementation.
Documents
- TransformED - Curriculum Overview Document
- TransformED - Capabilities
- Curriculum Framework - Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) - June 2026
- Curriculum Framework - Rural Needs Impact Assessment - June 2026
- Curriculum Framework Consultation - DE Privacy Notice - June 2026
Consultation description
The Department of Education is consulting on a new statutory curriculum for Northern Ireland, covering Foundation Stage to Key Stage 3.
The individual subject frameworks can be accessed here: Subject Frameworks and Key Stage Documents
The 'Northern Ireland Curriculum 2028 – An entitlement to excellence and equity' sets out a clear, coherent and knowledge-rich framework designed to ensure all pupils have access to a shared entitlement to high-quality education. It places greater emphasis on clearly defined subject content, structured progression of learning, and the development of key capabilities through secure subject knowledge.
This consultation is a key opportunity for teachers, school leaders and other education stakeholders to provide feedback and help refine the curriculum. Following the consultation, responses will inform the final curriculum prior to legislative approval and phased implementation from September 2028.
Understanding the consultation documents
To support this consultation, a suite of documents has been published. These are designed to be read together and provide different levels of detail to help you understand the proposals.
DOCUMENTS EXPLAINED
Overview paper
The overview paper explains the background to reform, the need for curriculum reform and gives an overview of the structure of the new Northern Ireland Curriculum.
This document is the best starting point if you want to understand the rationale, vision and overall design of the curriculum.
Subject frameworks – what pupils will learn
The Subject Frameworks set out the statutory content for each subject.
Each framework includes:
• a vision statement explaining the purpose and value of the subject
• clearly defined curriculum content
• structured sequences showing how learning progresses across stages
These frameworks provide clarity on what should be taught, a structured approach to progression over time and consistency across schools through a shared entitlement.
They form the core of the curriculum, ensuring learning is carefully sequenced and built cumulatively across subjects.
The capabilities – outcomes of learning
The capabilities document outlines the overarching capabilities (emergent qualities and attributes) that children and young people will develop as a result of learning the new curriculum.
Please ensure your response is received by 23:59 on 30 September 2026.
Who should respond?
The Department welcomes responses from:
- teachers and school leaders
- governors and education bodies
- wider stakeholders and interested organisations
Why your views matter
This consultation represents a significant opportunity to shape the future curriculum for Northern Ireland. Feedback will help ensure the curriculum is clear, ambitious, inclusive and fit for all learners.
Alternative Formats
Documents can be requested in alternative formats. For more information on the alternative formats available and the timescales involved, email curriculumconsultation@education-ni.gov.uk
Ways to respond
Department of Education
Rathgael House
Balloo Road
Rathgill
Bangor
BT19 7PR