Children across Northern Ireland promised the same learning entitlement under sweeping curriculum overhaul

Pictured (L-R) Matthew Best, Greenisland Primary School, Christine Counsell OBE, Chair of the Curriculum Taskforce, Mark Roberts, Carrickfergus Grammar School, Education Minister, Paul Givan, Noeleen Tiffney, St Catherine's College, Karen Irwin, Ballyclare Primary School and Alistair Hamill, Lurgan College.

Education Minister Paul Givan has launched what he described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reshape education in Northern Ireland, unveiling plans for a completely redesigned curriculum intended to ensure every child receives the same high-quality education regardless of where they attend school.

The proposed Northern Ireland Curriculum 2028 would introduce a clearer, more structured framework for what pupils should learn from Year 1 through to the end of Key Stage 3, addressing concerns that the current curriculum has led to inconsistent experiences and outcomes between schools.

For parents, teachers and pupils across Northern Ireland, the changes could ultimately influence what is taught in classrooms, how learning is sequenced, and the knowledge children are expected to acquire throughout their early years of education.

Major review found shortcomings in existing curriculum

The consultation follows a major review of the current curriculum, which was first introduced in 2007.

That review, completed in 2025, concluded that the existing framework lacked sufficient clarity, coherence and specificity. According to the findings, this contributed to variation between schools, increased workload pressures for teachers and uneven pupil progression.

The review recommended replacing the current approach with a more clearly defined curriculum that guarantees a shared entitlement for all children and young people across Northern Ireland.

Launching the consultation on Monday, Mr Givan said:

“Today marks a significant step forward for education in Northern Ireland. We are publishing a curriculum that provides clarity on what should be taught and when, with learning carefully sequenced to build over time.

“Grounded in the best available evidence, it places knowledge at its heart and ensures every child, regardless of background, has access to a high-quality education.”

Curriculum designed to raise standards and improve fairness

Pictured (L-R) Christine Counsell OBE, Chair of the Curriculum Taskforce and Education Minister, Paul Givan. 

A central aim of the reforms is to reduce educational inequalities by ensuring pupils have access to the same core knowledge regardless of their school or background.

The Minister said the curriculum should serve as “the engine of equity”, helping to create greater fairness throughout the education system.

“The curriculum should be the engine of equity, creating fairness – with knowledge acting as a powerful way to give every child the same opportunities,” he said.

“By setting out clearly what pupils should learn, we can raise standards and help all children to succeed.”

The proposals form part of the wider TransformED NI Strategy for Educational Excellence, a programme designed to drive improvements in educational outcomes across Northern Ireland.

More than 100 experts helped shape proposals

The Department of Education says the new curriculum has been developed through an extensive collaborative process involving more than 100 contributors, including classroom teachers, academics and international experts.

The work has been led by curriculum specialist Dr Christine Counsell, with support from education expert Lucy Crehan, drawing on international evidence and best practice.

Mr Givan emphasised that the proposals had been developed with significant input from the education sector itself.

“This is not my curriculum – it is your curriculum,” he said.

“It has been shaped by teachers and practitioners from across Northern Ireland to ensure it is ambitious, coherent and works in real classrooms.”

Speaking at the launch event, Dr Counsell highlighted the role of shared knowledge in promoting inclusion and social cohesion.

“When young people share common knowledge, they experience true inclusion. The world’s great conversations become theirs to enjoy, challenge and renew.”

What the consultation includes

The consultation package consists of several key documents that collectively outline the proposed curriculum structure.

These include:

• An overview paper explaining the case for reform and the overall design of the new curriculum

• Subject frameworks setting out the vision and statutory content for individual subjects

• A Capabilities framework outlining the qualities, attributes and wider competencies pupils are expected to develop through their learning

The Department says the consultation will provide an opportunity for teachers, school leaders, parents, pupils and wider education stakeholders to help refine the proposals before they are finalised.

Consultation open until September

The public consultation opened on 16 June and will remain open until 30 September 2026.

Responses gathered during the 16-week process will help shape the final curriculum ahead of a planned phased implementation beginning in September 2028.

Mr Givan said the consultation period represents an important opportunity for people across Northern Ireland to influence the future direction of education.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve education in Northern Ireland. Together, we can create a world-leading curriculum that raises aspirations, strengthens outcomes and ensures every child has the knowledge and opportunities they deserve.”

People wishing to take part in the consultation can access the full documents and submit responses at:

Consultation

The outcome of the consultation is expected to shape what future generations of pupils learn in classrooms across Northern Ireland for years to come, making it one of the most significant education reforms proposed since the current curriculum was introduced nearly two decades ago.