More than 1,200 teachers in Northern Ireland will receive bursaries to attend a new professional learning summer school in 2026, Education Minister Paul Givan has announced.

The summer school, delivered by higher education institutions on behalf of the Department of Education, will run during July and August. It will offer one- and two-day short courses designed to support teacher development and the implementation of the TransformED programme, with a particular focus on supporting pupils with special educational needs.

Paul Givan said professional learning summer schools are an effective part of teacher development in many education systems, providing a flexible way to build on learning throughout the year. He stated that he continues to prioritise professional development for teachers through TransformED and encouraged all interested teachers to take advantage of the opportunity.

The Department of Education is supplementing course costs through the bursary scheme aimed at more than 1,200 participants.

St Mary’s University College in Belfast will hold its summer school from 1 to 7 July 2026, with applications opening on 1 June. Its programme includes courses across four areas: Leadership, Special Educational Needs, Equity and Inclusion, Pedagogical Excellence, and Irish Medium Education.

Details of summer school provision at the remaining higher education institutions will be published on their respective websites in due course, ahead of delivery in August 2026.