Education Minister Paul Givan has announced the creation of tailored curriculum frameworks for Special Schools and Irish-medium education in Northern Ireland.

Applications are now open for practitioners and school leaders to join working groups that will design the new frameworks. The groups are expected to begin their work in September 2026, with a closing date for applications of Friday 3 July 2026.

The initiative follows a Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, which found the current curriculum does not adequately meet the needs of many pupils in Special Schools or those learning through Irish. The Minister said the new frameworks aim to provide accessible and meaningful learning tailored to individual development, while ensuring Irish-medium pupils have access to an ambitious curriculum that recognises the demands of immersion learning.

Professor Noel Purdy OBE has been appointed to lead the development of the Special Schools framework, with James Curran MBE, Principal of Harberton Special School, serving as vice-chair. Orla Flanagan, Principal of Gaelscoil na bhFál, will coordinate the Irish-medium strands while on secondment to the Department of Education.

The Department said additional curriculum materials will be published in the coming months, including a new Religious Education syllabus, evidence-informed pedagogical principles, and a Key Stage 4 and post-16 enrichment curriculum designed to broaden pupils' educational experiences and preparation for adult life.