A public consultation on a new Northern Ireland curriculum opened this week, inviting feedback until 30 September 2026. The proposal, launched by Education Minister Paul Givan, sets out what pupils should learn from the first year of primary school through to Year 10.

Under the plans, the curriculum would shift from broad areas of learning to a subject-based approach. A new Digital Technology subject would be introduced from the start of primary school, covering online identity, privacy and cybersecurity. The Department of Education states this would give children early exposure to key digital skills.

In later primary years, schools could optionally teach a second language and provide cultural awareness lessons designed to broaden pupils' understanding of different cultures. However, language learning would not be compulsory.

The current curriculum, introduced in 2007, was reviewed in 2025 and found to lack clarity and coherence. The department said it sometimes led to inconsistent provision across schools and made it difficult for teachers to ensure steady progress for all pupils.

The proposed curriculum was developed with input from over 100 teachers, academics and international experts, led by Dr Christine Counsell with support from Lucy Crehan. If adopted, it would be introduced in phases starting from September 2028.

A separate consultation on changes to qualifications is underway. AS-levels are to be replaced by a two-year modular A-level, with full implementation expected by September 2029. The minister has also appointed a panel to reform religious education after a UK Supreme Court ruling that current RE provision was unlawful. A new syllabus will aim to be critical, objective and pluralist while maintaining a central focus on Christianity.