Education Minister confirms plans to extend compulsory education and training to age 18 in NI

Education Minister Paul Givan

Education Minister Paul Givan has announced that new legislation will be brought forward to ensure all young people in Northern Ireland remain in education or training until the age of 18.

The move follows the publication of findings from a public consultation, which ran between 14 April and 4 July 2025, on proposals to raise the compulsory participation age.

The Department of Education reported a “significant majority” of respondents backed the change, with strong support from both the education sector and the wider public.

The proposals stem from recommendations in the Independent Review of Education (IRE), which urged reforms to modernise Northern Ireland’s education system and reduce inequalities in post-16 participation.

Announcing the next steps, Education Minister Paul Givan said:

“Following the overwhelmingly positive consultation feedback, my Department will now proceed to draft and introduce legislation to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

“The new law will create a minimum offer for all young people, ensuring equality of opportunity and a structured pathway of support and guidance. Regrettably, a young person’s background remains a key factor in whether they progress to post-16 education. This legislation will improve life chances for all young people, especially the most vulnerable.”

Mr Givan emphasised that the new legislation would be designed around the needs of young people themselves.

“I have been clear that the approach taken should have the best interests of young people at its heart. I am grateful to all who have participated in consultation and I am particularly encouraged to hear directly from the many young people who responded.

“Your views will help to shape the way forward providing a strong focus on choice, with a range of appropriate pathways to remain in education or training.

“This legislation is part of my wider TransformED Programme and alongside reform of curriculum, assessment and qualification will transform the educational landscape for our young people.”

Background to the reforms

The commitment to extend compulsory participation to 18 was first set out in the New Decade, New Approach agreement in January 2020. In response, the Department of Education commissioned the Independent Review of Education on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive.

The IRE Panel’s final report, published in December 2023, called for significant reform to better prepare young people for modern society and employment. In October 2024, the Minister pledged to bring forward legislation to raise the participation age, subject to Executive approval.

The consultation summary and details of next steps are available on the Department of Education website:

www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/16-18-legislation.

The full Independent Review of Education report and supporting documents can be found at www.independentreviewofeducation.org.uk/key-documents/investing-better-future.