Education Minister has launched a public
consultation on a new strategy which proposes a step change in
how teachers are supported to develop and improve throughout
their careers.
'Leading Together for Excellence: A TransformED NI Strategy for
Teacher Professional Learning' signals renewed investment in
teacher professional learning in Northern Ireland. The
strategy sets out a simple but powerful vision: to build an
expert, confident teaching profession through high‑quality,
career‑long professional learning that drives excellence for
every learner.
said: “Great teaching is central
to realising my vision of educational excellence in Northern
Ireland. No education system can exceed the quality of its
teachers and no vision for transformation can be realised without
investing deeply in those who make learning happen every single
day.
“Professional learning is the engine that drives improvement,
innovation and excellence in every high-quality education system.
This draft strategy seeks to align Northern Ireland with the
world's highest performing education systems and place teacher
development at the heart of system improvement. We are aiming to
ensure that meaningful, high-impact learning is available to all
teachers.”
The strategy sets out a series of actions to invest in teacher
development, ranging from a new digital learning platform to new
professional standards for the profession, enhanced support for
student teachers, as well as improved programmes of support for
newly qualified teachers and school leaders.
The strategy also proposes the establishment of a Northern
Ireland Centre for Educational Excellence and Improvement within
the Department of Education. This Centre will represent a
fundamental shift in how schools are supported in Northern
Ireland.
For the first time, curriculum design and implementation,
professional learning, leadership development and system‑wide
improvement activity will be brought together within a single,
dedicated centre of excellence, providing a coherent and
coordinated approach to supporting schools. The Centre will act
as a driver for quality and consistency, strengthening the bridge
between evidence, policy and classroom practice, and ensure that
schools and leaders receive high‑quality, timely and aligned
support rooted in what works best for children and young people.
The Education Minister concluded: “High performing education
systems do not leave professional learning to chance. Sustained
improvement depends not only on strong policy decisions but also
on the delivery infrastructure that translates into consistent,
high-quality practice across schools.
“This strategy aims to provide Northern Ireland with the
foundations of a truly world‑class professional learning system
and I encourage every teacher to engage with the consultation on
this strategy and share your views on its detail. Your insights
will help shape a system that supports every teacher and every
learner.”
The draft strategy is open for an eight-week public consultation
from 11 May to 6 July 2026. Visit the consultation page at
https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-leading-together-excellence-transformed-ni-strategy-teacher-professional-learning
