Education Minister publishes consultation report on extending compulsory education to age 18
Date published:
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has today published the findings of a public consultation on proposed legislation to extend compulsory participation in education and training in Northern Ireland to age 18.
The consultation, which ran from 14 April to 4 July 2025, received a strong response from stakeholders across both the education sector and the wider public, with a significant majority expressing support for the proposed change.
The proposals stem from recommendations made in the Independent Review of Education, which highlighted the need to modernise the education system and address inequalities in post-16 participation.
Paul Givan said:
“Following the overwhelmingly positive consultation feedback, my Department will now proceed to draft and introduce legislation to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
“The new law will create a minimum offer for all young people, ensuring equality of opportunity and a structured pathway of support and guidance. Regrettably, a young person’s background remains a key factor in whether they progress to post-16 education. This legislation will improve life chances for all young people, especially the most vulnerable.
“I have been clear that the approach taken should have the best interests of young people at its heart. I am grateful to all who have participated in consultation and I am particularly encouraged to hear directly from the many young people who responded. Your views will help to shape the way forward providing a strong focus on choice, with a range of appropriate pathways to remain in education or training.
“This legislation is part of my wider TransformED Programme and alongside reform of curriculum, assessment and qualification will transform the educational landscape for our young people."
The summary of responses and next steps has been published on the DE website at www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/16-18-legislation.
Notes to editors:
1. Following Executive agreement of New Decade New Approach in January 2020, the Department of Education commissioned an Independent Review of Education (IRE) on behalf of the Executive. The Final Report of the Panel was published on 13 December 2023 and set out a vision for the future of education in Northern Ireland. In response to the report and in line with the Panel’s recommendation, the Minister committed in October 2024 to bring forward proposals on legislation to ensure that all children remain in education or training until they are 18 years old, subject to Executive agreement.
2. A link to the IRE Report and Annexes is provided at www.independentreviewofeducation.org.uk/key-documents/investing-better-future.
3. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office at Press.Office@education-ni.gov.uk.
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