Education Minister has hailed the early success of
TransformED and delivered a wide-ranging update in the Assembly,
on progress since the strategy for educational reform launched in
March 2025.
TransformED is designed to learn from the world's
best-performing education systems and to address the
specific needs of Northern Ireland.
Outlining the steps that have already been taken and a roadmap
for what's to come, said:
“TransformEDsets
out a bold, long-term vision to elevate education in Northern
Ireland to world-class standards. We are not tinkering at the
edges—we are transforming the core of our education
system.
“This is not just about policy updates—it's about
creating a culture where teaching is recognised as a highly
respected profession, where every student is given the tools to
thrive, and where schools are empowered to lead real
change.
“What we've achieved in just six months is
significant—but this is only the beginning.
TransformED is our blueprint
for excellence, and together with educators, parents and pupils,
we're shaping an education system that is fit for the
future.”
In the first six months the following initiatives have been
launched:
- A £31million Teacher Professional Learning Fund is
now active, giving schools per-teacher funding for high-quality,
evidence-based training.
- A new online CPD Academy – 145 of Northern Ireland's
190 post-primary schools have already signed up, benefiting over
6,000 teachers.
- A new Making Best Practice Common Practice programme
has launched to help bridge the gap between academic research and
classroom practice, ensuring that educators are equipped with the
latest evidence-based strategies to enhance learning for all
pupils.
- Funding has been made available for 50 research-informed
school-led conferences to facilitate the spread of effective
teaching methods across schools.
- A Science of Learning newsletter has been developed
and is now supporting educators with accessible, research-based
insights.
- A new expanded induction programme for early career teachers.
Curriculum and assessment reform are central pillars of the
TransformED agenda. Key steps that have been taken include:
- The publication in June, of an independent Strategic Review
of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, led by international
education policy expert, Lucy Crehan.
- The formation of a Curriculum Taskforce, chaired by
internationally respected educator Christine Counsell OBE.
- A curriculum conference for primary and post-primary school
leaders will take place this month.
- An Independent Review of Assessment Panel, chaired by Tim
Oates CBE is now in place and reviewing the current arrangements
for assessment in Northern Ireland.
The Department is also:
- Piloting new system-level sample assessments in literacy and
numeracy for Years 4, 7 and 10.
- Expanding Computer Adaptive Assessment to a record 522
schools from September 2025.
Next week, the Minister will launch a public consultation on GCSE
and A Level reform, with a focus on reducing exam overload and
enhancing the depth of student learning.
continued: “As we begin
this new academic year, our focus is clear and we are delivering
at pace. In the months ahead, we will be supporting schools to
make full use of the TransformED Teacher Professional Learning
Fund, helping to embed high-quality, evidence-based professional
development across the system.
“We'll also be deepening our reform of the curriculum and
qualifications, ensuring that what and how we teach truly
prepares our young people for the future. New strategies for
literacy, numeracy and school improvement will be launched,
alongside key legislative work to strengthen school inspection
and raise the education participation age to 18.
“We've made remarkable progress—and that's only the
beginning. TransformED is our blueprint for excellence and
empowerment. Together, we're not just imagining a better future
for our children—we're building it.”
