Department of Education figures record 7,811 pupils in Irish-medium education in Northern Ireland for 2025, compared to 1,602 in 2001. The total reflects a near 400% increase over 25 years.

Primary school enrolment climbed from 652 pupils in 2001 to 4,731 in 2025. Post-primary numbers increased from 342 to 2,071 in the same period. Two Irish-medium post-primary schools exist, located in Belfast and Dungiven.

Irish-medium settings expanded from 36 in 2001-2002 to 62 today. The 2025 breakdown includes 1,009 pre-school pupils, 4,731 at primary level, and 2,071 post-primary.

Áine Ní Eachaín, head teacher at Naíscoil na Seolta in east Belfast, stated that additional post-primary schools are required. She pointed to research showing bilingual children have improved employment opportunities.

Nadia McVeigh from Newry said her 10-year-old son attends Bunscoil and Naíscoil there, including a child with special educational needs. She noted frustration due to no nearby Irish-medium post-primary options.

Maria Thomasson of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta called for more post-primary schools in Belfast, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and south Down. She credited the growth to community efforts and expanding job opportunities in Irish language sectors.

Séamus Ó Tuama, head of Bunscoil Phobal Feirste in west Belfast, said the school, founded in 1971 with a few pupils, now enrols over 450 and approaches capacity. He stressed needs for more support, including special educational needs provision.

Coláiste Feirste in Belfast enrols 1,000 pupils but lacks sufficient space. The Department of Education is preparing an Irish-medium strategy, expected in 2027.

Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan introduced a bill to require a workforce plan for the sector. Education Minister Paul Givan started a bursary scheme to recruit teachers of maths, science, and technology for Irish-medium schools.