Education Minister announces £31 million investment in Teacher Professional Learning Fund over the next three years

Date published: 23 June 2025

The TPL Fund aims to ensure all schools can access high-quality professional learning providing schools with dedicated funding to support professional development over a three-year period.

The £31 million investment will support the ongoing development of teachers and school leaders across Northern Ireland.

The funding forms a key part of the Department’s TransformED Strategy launched in March 2025. The strategy sets out a clear vision for transforming teaching and learning, with a strong emphasis on excellence, equity and efficiency.

Announcing the funding, Paul Givan said: 

“Teachers are the backbone of our education system and their professional growth is key to unlocking the capabilities of every child. The quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers. This £31 million investment will empower teachers throughout their careers.

“The TPL Fund will help ensure that every teacher in Northern Ireland has access to meaningful, high-quality professional learning, enabling them to grow, collaborate and lead in an ever-evolving educational landscape.”

The TPL Fund will support a wide range of professional learning activities, including:

• Participation in courses leading to formal qualifications or professional accreditation and certification;
• Funding for substitute cover to release teachers for individual or collaborative learning;
• School-based and externally facilitated professional development programmes;
• Mentoring and coaching;
• Participation in professional learning networks.

The Minister continued: 

“This is about embedding a culture of continuous, career-long professional learning. The TransformED strategy recognises that when teachers are supported to develop their practice, pupils benefit.

“The TPL Fund will give schools the flexibility to choose professional learning opportunities that best meets their needs and those of their learners. I am confident this investment will have a lasting, positive impact across our education system.”