Curriculum and learning

The School Age (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 allows the parents/ guardians of Young for Year children to defer the start of pre-school and, in turn, primary school for their child for one year.

The Young Person’s Reference Group (YPRG) have planned and delivered 60 different consultation sessions to date in a wide range of settings with children and young people through Northern Ireland, consulting with 600+ individuals. The Young Person’s Reference group are finalising the information they have gathered and putting this into recommendations to be considered for the future youth work policy. Additionally, the Young Persons Reference Group are working on using the lived experience and voice of children and young people, to inform what the vision, purpose and role of youth work should be going forward.

20 August 2025

The Department has published its response to the consultation which took place between 14 April 2025 and 4 July 2025

At the start of February 2025, Education Minister Paul Givan officially launched the Outdoor Learning Project to enhance pupil experiences of outdoor learning.

Some children and young people, especially those living in disadvantaged communities, can face a number of issues or 'barriers to learning' which can lead to them doing less well at school. In order to overcome such barriers those children and their families often need additional support. The 'full service' approach seeks to provide such support.

The YPRG finalised their policy recommendations earlier this year, which have been presented to DE Senior Management, the five Policy Reference Groups (PRG) subgroups and the Cross Department Group (CDG).

Guidance for schools and settings in respect of managing and recording pupil attendance.

The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 - Guidance for Schools and Board of Governors

The Department of Education currently provides funding for 60 Nurture Groups in primary schools in Northern Ireland. In addition, a ‘Nurture in Education Programme’ is available to all primary, special, post-primary schools and Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) settings.

Young carers are defined as children and young people, who have a caring role for a member of their family (child or adult). A young carers health, development and education could be affected due to that caring role.

The Department of Education hosted two TransformED Curriculum Conferences, one for post-primary school leaders on Monday 29 September and one for primary school leaders on Tuesday 30 September 2025.

This section provides updates on teacher development measures being implemented by the Department of Education, including those contained in the TransformED Strategy

The Classroom Excellence Programme, delivered in partnership with Evidence Based Education, will provide over 4,500 teachers with access to research and practical tools to enhance teaching and learning in their classrooms.

The teaching of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is mandatory for all pupils of compulsory school age. All grant-aided schools are required to have an RSE policy that is based on consultation with parents and pupils. It is the responsibility of the Board of Governors of each school to ensure that a comprehensive programme is delivered which meets the needs of its pupils and aligns with its RSE policy.

The curriculum provides a range of opportunities for schools to highlight road safety.

The Department is carrying out a review of the Religious Education (RE) Core Syllabus

Department of Education - Literacy Webinar Series - Strengthening practice. Deepening expertise. Supporting every learner.

Curriculum Reform is a key commitment in the TransformED Strategy and Delivery Plan. This page provides information about the Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and the Curriculum Reform Programme.

Literacy is a core part of the TransformED strategy, reflecting the commitment to ensuring every child becomes a confident reader, writer and communicator. The strategy recognises literacy as a foundational skill that unlocks opportunity and helps close long-standing attainment gaps.

A review of qualifications is a core action in the TransformED Strategy and Delivery Plan. This page provides information about the reform of Qualifications in Northern Ireland.