Education Minister is calling on teachers across
Northern Ireland to help develop a new Religious Education
syllabus for pupils from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 4.
Expressions of interest are now open for teachers and principals
from primary and post-primary schools to join a
drafting group that will play a central role in designing the
revised core RE curriculum.
The review follows a Supreme Court judgment that concluded the
current syllabus does not convey information in an objective,
critical and pluralistic manner. The existing syllabus is nearly
20 years old, and the review aligns with wider reform of the
Northern Ireland Curriculum.
Inviting applications from primary and post-primary
teachers, said: "It is
essential that the new RE syllabus is developed by those who know
our students best and who are experts in delivering the subject.
I want teachers' experience, insight and creativity to be at the
heart of this work.
"This is a unique opportunity for teachers to influence
curriculum reform, collaborate with peers and experts across the
education system, and help prepare a syllabus that is rigorous,
inclusive and equips our children and young people for future
learning and citizenship.
"I hope teachers from across Northern Ireland will
consider applying and playing their part in this important
work."
Up to ten teachers, five from primary and five from post-primary,
will be appointed to the drafting group, which will work under
the leadership of Professor Noel Purdy OBE and Joyce Logue. The
drafting group will lead the development and drafting of
a revised core syllabus, contribute to stakeholder
engagement and be responsible for presenting a draft
syllabus to the Department.
Commenting on the recruitment for the drafting group, Professor
Noel Purdy said: “Teachers bring invaluable insight into how
Religious Education is experienced in the classroom every day.
Their expertise will be essential as we work together to develop
a syllabus that is thoughtful, balanced and relevant to young
people growing up in a modern and diverse society. I would
encourage any teacher with a passion for RE to consider
applying".
The expression of interest opens on 17 February and closes
on 27 February 2026. Further information on the roles,
responsibilities and practical arrangements can be found in the
expression of interest booklet at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/review-religious-education-re-core-syllabus-drafting-group-expression-interest-booklet.
The application form is available at https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/de/re-drafting-group/.
Notes to editors:
1. Foundation Stage to Key Stage 4 includes Year 1 to Year
12.
2. The review of the core RE syllabus was announced by on 3 February - https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/news/givan-responds-judgment-religious-education-and-collective-worship-schools.
3. Further information on the review of the RE syllabus is
available here - https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/draft-terms-reference-review-re-core-syllabus.
4. Applications will be assessed against criteria including
subject expertise in Religious Education, understanding of
curriculum design principles, communication skills, and personal
vision for RE reform. Consideration will also be given to
ensuring appropriate sectoral balance across primary and
post-primary settings.
5. The drafting group will be led by Professor Noel Purdy OBE,
Director of Research and Scholarship at Stranmillis University
College, Belfast, and Mrs Joyce Logue, former Principal of Long
Tower Primary School.
6. Substitute cover will be provided to schools for successful
applicants.
