Givan: Parental choice to take priority under new Temporary Variation Proposals

Date published: 2 July 2026

Proposals to reshape the operation of the Temporary Variation policy will allow schools to more easily increase their intakes where parental demand exists.

Announcing the reforms in a Written Ministerial Statement, Paul Givan said: 

“This is about putting parents and children first. Where schools have the capacity and are willing to admit pupils, parental preference must carry far greater weight.

“For too long, we have seen situations where children could not attend the school their parents chose, even when there was space available. That is something that I have been determined to change.”

Northern Ireland has a strong tradition of parental preference across its diverse education sectors. However, the Minister acknowledged that for some families, particularly where popular schools are oversubscribed, existing policy has put too much weight on availability within a school sector, and not enough on the specific choices made by parents. He continued: 

“The evidence is clear: parents choose schools, not sectors. They are focused on what they believe is best for their child, not on administrative categories. Our system must reflect that reality. Where demand exists for a particular school, we should be responding to that demand wherever possible.”

Subject to consultation, the proposals include:

• A presumption of approval for Temporary Variation requests in primary schools where capacity exists and schools can safely admit additional pupils
• A similar presumption for non-selective post-primary schools
• Continued case-by-case consideration for academically selective post-primary schools
• Greater flexibility for children already holding a school place to transfer to another school in line with parental wishes

Highlighting how the current arrangements can sometimes mask underlying issues, and limit access to high-performing schools while sustaining provision that lacks parental support, Paul Givan continued: 

“This is not just a technical change to admissions. It is about creating an education system that listens to parents, reflects their choices and responds to the needs of children and families.

“Looking to the future, we are seeing a sustained decline in pupil numbers. That means increasing surplus capacity across our system. In that context, it is neither sustainable nor reasonable to ignore parental preferences where capacity exists.

“Enrolment patterns should tell us the truth about parental confidence in our schools. Where schools are attracting families, they should be able to grow. Where demand is persistently weak, that must be recognised and addressed.

“We must ensure that our school system reflects where parents actually want to send their children, not simply historic patterns or rigid rules.”

A full public consultation will be launched in September 2026, inviting views from parents, schools and stakeholders on how the new approach should be implemented.

Paul Givan concluded: 

“I recognise that these changes must be carefully managed. There are important issues around sustainability, capacity and provision for children with additional needs.

“The consultation will focus on how we implement these changes in the best interests of all learners and I want parents, schools and stakeholders to play a central role in shaping the final policy.”

Further information is available in the Written Ministerial Statement, available at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/written-ministerial-statement-temporary-variation-policy-review