Northern Ireland Education Minister Paul Givan has published an action plan to reduce workload pressures on teachers and school leaders. The plan responds to recommendations from an independent review he commissioned last year. In February, Givan wrote to teachers with interim steps to cut workload and promised a full response in April.

Givan described the plan as a shift to a coordinated system-level approach with clear ownership, governance, and timescales. It forms part of his TransformED strategy to support teachers, school leaders, and raise learner standards. Measures cover working hours, flexible working, administrative support, investment, and teacher training in generative AI.

Givan noted that delivery requires collaboration, shared ownership, industrial peace, and faces financial constraints.

In related developments, Givan approved three special school capital projects to enter planning and design phases under the Special School Plan of Action. These include a new 320-pupil school for Longstone School, a 220-pupil extension at St Gerard's Special School, and a new 500-pupil special school in south Belfast.

Givan stated demand for specialist places has grown due to more children with complex needs and formal Statements of Special Educational Needs. Special school pupil numbers rose 49% over the past decade, with projections needing over 6,000 more places in the next ten years.

These approvals supplement ongoing projects for Sperrinview, Knockevin, Ardnashee's second campus, a Dromore special school, and a 500-pupil school in east Belfast. Givan said projects will advance to construction when funding allows, and he will seek cross-government priority for sustainable investment.

Separately, Givan confirmed that an upgrade for St Mary's Primary School in Newtownbutler, announced in 2019 under the School Enhancement Programme, remains at pre-tender despite an approved business case this year. Sinn Féin MLA Áine Murphy raised concerns over health, safety, and accommodation issues. Givan said design and planning permission are complete, but construction depends on budget availability. He will press the Executive for additional education funding.