Education Minister has announced that post
primary schools across Northern Ireland will have continued
access to the high-impact online Teacher CPD Academy for the
2026-27 academic year reflecting the Department's strong
commitment to enhancing teaching and learning.
This professional learning platform, provided in partnership with
InnerDrive, a UK leader in cognitive science-based educational
the platform has already demonstrated significant reach and
impact. During 2025-26, more than 10,000 teachers engaged
with the Academy logging more than 45,000 hours of professional
learning.
said: I am delighted to secure a
further year of the CPD Academy. This continued investment
reflects my clear commitment, through TransformED, to place
high-quality teaching and learning at the heart of education
reform.
Developed by InnerDrive's team of psychologists and educators,
the platform supports schools in creating tailored,
evidence-based CPD programmes. It also offers optional materials
to support the delivery of TransformED Development Days on a
range of topics such as Adaptive Teaching, Feedback, Modelling
and Retrieval Practice.
The Minister continued: As we move into the next phase of
TransformED, our focus is firmly on delivery, supporting schools
through sustained investment in professional learning, building
leadership capacity and ensuring that effective practice is
shared and embedded across the system. Extending this platform
will empower educators with the knowledge and confidence to drive
improvements in outcomes for all learners.
The continuation of the Teacher CPD Academy is a key milestone in
delivering the Department's TransformED Strategy, with its clear
focus on teacher professional learning and expanding access to
education research across Northern Ireland's education system.
Notes to editors:
1. The CPD Academy provides on-demand professional learning,
combining expert insight with practical, evidence-informed
resources grounded in cognitive science. It covers key areas
including Cognitive Load Theory, Retrieval Practice and
Metacognition.
2. Optional materials to support the delivery of TransformED
Development Days include PowerPoint slides, presenter notes
and printable handouts. These are available for the following
topics: Adaptive Teaching, Feedback, Modelling, Retrieval
Practice, Relationships and Behaviours, Learning Intentions and
Prior Knowledge, Effective Explanations, Questioning and Checking
for Understanding and Practice and Scaffolding.
3. Prioritising Teacher Professional Learning and improving
access to research are key commitments within the Department's
Education Strategy, TransformED NI.
4. An Expression of Interest was issued to all post primary
schools and those who confirmed participation will shortly be
registered for the CPD Academy or retain their access ahead of
the new academic year.
5. The Academy provides participating schools with 20 self-access
modules, live webinars, monthly masterclasses for senior leaders,
classroom demonstration videos, and
ready-made lesson materials for staff to use directly with
pupils.
6. The Online Teacher CPD Academy, accessible via https://www.teachercpdacademy.com/
7. Further information on TransformED can be found at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/topics/transformed.
