Education Minister has announced the next phase of
curriculum reform in Northern Ireland, as applications open for
local educators to join Curriculum Taskforce Working Groups.
Inviting applications from experienced educators both within
schools and Further and Higher Education Institutes, said: “At the heart of
our curriculum reform is the voice of teachers. Their classroom
expertise, insight and professional judgement will ensure that
the new curriculum is not only academically ambitious but also
practically deliverable.
“This is an exciting opportunity to be involved and
I encourage educators from across all sectors and stages of
education to apply to join this important work and help shape the
future of education in Northern Ireland.”
The working groups will:
- Draft curriculum content for specific subjects and key
stages.
- Help shape an ambitious and knowledge-rich curriculum that is
grounded in classroom experience, capable of responding to the
diverse needs of learners, schools and communities.
- Collaborate with experts to ensure the new curriculum is
structured to be continuous and coherent.
continued: “My goal is
clear: to give every child in Northern Ireland access to a
curriculum that fosters deep understanding, gives them the
ability to engage with complex ideas and, ultimately, empowers
them to succeed.
“Curriculum is the bedrock of our education system
as it sets the foundation for what our pupils learn, when
they learn it and how they learn it. It outlines the
knowledge that pupils are expected to
acquire at each stage of their education, ensures
consistency across classrooms and provides a clear learning
progression from one year to the next.
“Through this reform, we are investing in the future of
our young people, our economy and our society.”
Working groups will be established in October 2025 and carry out
their work between November to February, with the full framework
scheduled for consultation in March 2026.
Notes to editors:
1. Qualified teachers and subject experts (including those
working in FE Colleges or Higher Education Institutes in Northern
Ireland) who meet the criteria are invited to complete an online
application via Citizen Space - https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/de/93c3c169/
2. All applications must be submitted by 2 October 2025.
3. Applicants must secure appropriate agreement of their line
management prior to applying. Full substitute cover will be
provided for participating teachers.
