Education and training in Northern Ireland are shaped by a distinctive system that reflects its history, cultural diversity, and economic needs.
In Northern Ireland, the Department of Education oversees compulsory schooling, while the Department for the Economy manages further and higher education. Education is mandatory from ages 4 to 16. Children progress through primary (ages 4--11) and post-primary (ages 11-16+) schooling. Pupils typically sit for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualifications at the age of 16, followed by A-levels or vocational qualifications at the age of 18.
The national school system was introduced in Ireland in 1831. Although it was intended to be non-denominational, it quickly divided along religious lines. The 1920s partition was passed by the UK Parliament, creating two separate self-governing regions within the United Kingdom. In Northern Ireland, this included Northern Ireland (six counties of Ulster, with a Protestant/Unionist majority) and Southern Ireland (the remaining 25 counties, predominantly Catholic/Nationalist). On 3 May 1921, the Act came into force, establishing two parliaments. In practice, the Southern Ireland parliament never functioned effectively, as nationalist leaders rejected it and pursued independence. By December 1922, the Anglo-Irish Treaty had created the Irish Free State (now the Republic of Ireland), while Northern Ireland exercised its right to remain part of the UK.
In the late 20th century, an integrated education initiative began, aiming to bridge sectarian divides. Today, the system remains diverse, reflecting both historical divisions and modern reforms.
The Northern Ireland Curriculum includes the Foundation Stage (ages 4-6), with a focus on play-based learning; Key Stages 1-2 (ages 6-11), focusing on literacy, numeracy, science, and personal development; Key Stages 3-4 (ages 11-16), involving broader subjects including languages, technology, and life-work skills; Cross-curricular skills, with an emphasis on information and communications technology (ICT), communication, and problem-solving; and assessment, with GCSEs and A-levels central, alongside vocational qualifications.
Formal school sectors active within Northern Ireland include Controlled Schools (managed by the Education Authority, traditionally attended by Protestant communities), Catholic-Maintained Schools (managed by the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, serving Catholic communities), Voluntary Grammar Schools (often selective, with strong academic traditions), Integrated Schools (established to educate Protestant and Catholic children together), and Irish-Medium Schools (deliver education primarily through the Irish language, supported by Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta).
In Northern Ireland, Further Education (FE) is accomplished through six regional colleges, providing vocational training, apprenticeships, and adult learning. Higher Education (HE) is provided by three universities (Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University, and The Open University), and two university colleges (St. Mary's and Stranmillis). Both FE and HE institutions emphasize employability, research, and regional economic development.
Vocational and job training is available through apprenticeships, particularly in sectors like construction, hospitality, information technology, and healthcare. National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Business and Technology Education Councils (BTECs) provide practical qualifications equivalent to A-levels. Specialist training providers offer industry-specific skills, often in partnership with employers.
Other types of education and training in Northern Ireland include community-based programs for adult literacy, numeracy, and ICT. Special educational needs are tailored to support children with disabilities. Lifelong learning opportunities may consist of short courses, professional development, and online learning programs.
Northern Ireland's education system is multi-layered and historically complex, reflecting both denominational traditions and modern efforts toward inclusivity. With strong pathways from early schooling through higher education, vocational training, and lifelong learning, it equips individuals for personal growth and economic participation. The coexistence of diverse school sectors alongside integrated and Irish-medium initiatives highlights the region's unique cultural and social landscape.
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British Council Northern Ireland
The BCNI promotes cultural relations and educational opportunities across Northern Ireland, supporting the arts, education (including schools, further education, and higher education), English language learning, exams, and international partnerships. Its primary focus is on arts, education, non-formal learning, and international exchange. It maintains an accredited list of English language providers in Northern Ireland, including International House Belfast and INTO Queen's University Belfast.
https://nireland.britishcouncil.org/
College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise
CAFRE is a government-supported institution under the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. It offers a diverse range of full-time, part-time, and short courses designed for students and professionals in agriculture, food, horticulture, equine studies, floristry, land-based engineering, and veterinary nursing. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as specialised training schemes and business support programmes.
https://www.cafre.ac.uk/
CnaG is the representative body for Irish-language medium education in Northern Ireland. Its name translates into English as the Council for Irish-language medium education. Established by the Northern Ireland Department of Education in 2000, CnaG promotes, facilitates, and encourages Irish-language medium education across Northern Ireland. Irish-medium schools may be found on the website, along with resources for parents and teachers, and research information.
https://www.comhairle.org/english/
Controlled Schools' Support Council
CSSC is the sectoral support body for controlled schools in Northern Ireland. It plays a vital role in advocating for and empowering these schools, which make up the largest and most diverse education sector in the region. The mission of the CSSC is to empower controlled schools to serve their communities by enriching the lives of children and young people. Its scope and coverage are highlighted on the website, which includes office locations and contact details.
https://www.csscni.org.uk/
Council for Catholic Maintained Schools
CCMS is the managing authority for Catholic maintained schools in Northern Ireland, overseeing over 40% of the region's schools. CCMS is the advocate and managing authority for Catholic maintained schools, overseeing more than 40% of schools in the region, and is the largest teaching employer in Northern Ireland. It provides a range of services, including education and school support, area planning, human resources, recruitment, and governance. Contact details are provided.
https://www.ccmsschools.com/
The Department of Education is the Northern Ireland Executive department responsible for promoting education and implementing education policy across Northern Ireland. The department's site offers news, policy documents, guidance, consultations, publications, and contact details for officials and teams, along with resources to support curriculum delivery, raise standards, and promote school improvement. Information about pay, conditions, pensions, and training for teaching staff is included.
https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/
Education and Training Inspectorate
ETI is Northern Ireland's official body for inspecting and improving education and training services. ETI provides independent inspection services and policy advice primarily to the Department of Education, the Department for the Economy, and other commissioning departments across education, training, and youth sectors. ETI evaluates a wide range of educational and training institutions, which are listed on its website, along with surveys, evaluations, and contact details.
https://www.etini.gov.uk/
EA is the central body responsible for delivering education services across Northern Ireland. It supports schools, youth services, and families through a wide range of programmes and services. The key services offered by the EA include guidance on pre-school and school admissions, eligibility information, details on transport eligibility, application processes, and resources for parents, carers, and educators to support children with special education needs, as well as emergency school data.
https://www.eani.org.uk/
Forum for Adult Learning Northern Ireland
FALNI is a cross-sectoral network formed in 2010 to provide a cohesive voice for organisations working in adult learning across statutory, voluntary/community sectors, and trade unions. Created to address the lack of a single, cohesive voice for adult learning, its activities and resources include news, events, case studies, and project summaries, such as vocational training projects, arts-based lifelong learning, community and health-sector learning initiatives.
https://falni.org/
Representing Further Education NI, the collective voice of the six Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland, the website explains the sector's dual purpose of supporting social inclusion and economic growth, and highlights that the colleges provide training and qualifications to help learners reach their potential and support employers with skills and innovation. Six colleges operate across 29 campuses, offering professional and technical qualifications.
https://furthereducationni.com/
General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland
GTCNI is the body overseeing the qualification, registration, and good conduct of teachers in Northern Ireland. Established in 1998, the organisation is responsible for upholding the standards of the teaching profession and registration of new teachers. Its core functions are teacher registration, professional standards and competence, regulation, and fitness to teach. GTCNI is an "Arm's Length Body" accountable to the Department of Education in Northern Ireland.
https://www.gtcni.org.uk/
Governing Bodies Association (NI)
GBANI represents Northern Ireland's 50 voluntary grammar schools, offering policy support, advocacy, and resources. Its mission and roles include sectoral representation, support and advice, and advocacy. Its website features school guidance documents, including downloadable model policies, statistics and reports, and position statements on key educational issues, such as teacher pay negotiations and curriculum changes. School and job finders are included on the site.
https://www.gbani.org/
The Belfast-based vocational training provider was established in 1978 to deliver vocational and employability programmes, such as "Training for Success and Apprenticeships." Its core programmes include vocational training and employability programmes for young people and adults, and its flagship programme is "Skills for Life and Work," a broad-based option allowing participants to sample multiple vocational sectors. Employer links are included.
https://www.impacttrainingltd.com/
Independent Review of Education
The Independent Review of Education is a formal review of the education system established as part of the New Decade, New Approach Agreement, begun in October 2021. Its stated purpose is to examine and make recommendations for the future of education in Northern Ireland, and to produce a final report with practical proposals for reform and investment. It published its main report, "Investing in a Better Future," on 13 December 2023, which may be viewed on its website. Updates are provided.
https://www.independentreviewofeducation.org.uk/
The IEF supports the development and expansion of integrated schools across Northern Ireland, promoting inclusive education for children of all backgrounds. IEF champions integrated education that brings together children from Catholic and Protestant traditions, as well as those of other faiths and none, aiming to meet parental demans for integrated schooling. Its key initiatives, events, and community engagement programmes are highlighted on the website.
https://www.ief.org.uk/
Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaochta (The Trust Fund for Irish-medium) is a charitable trust dedicated to supporting Irish-medium education across Northern Ireland. InaG was established to promote and develop Irish-medium education (Gaelscolaíocht) in Northern Ireland. It provides financial support, infrastructure, and strategic guidance to Irish-language schools and preschools, aiming to preserve and grow the language and culture of traditional Irish. Contact details are provided.
https://www.iontaobhasnag.com/english/
Based in Limavady, Northern Ireland, LCD Driving Academy is an independent driving school founded in 1999 and focused on providing structured, one-to-one driving lessons with consistent instructor-car pairing. Its services include learner car lessons (with planned, structured tuition), theory and practical test preparation, intensive, refresher, and extended test lessons, and b+E trailer and LGV training, and additional courses, including taxi licence preparation.
https://www.lcddrivingacademy.com/
Learning Environments Northern Ireland
LENI is a biennial event focused on creating modern, inclusive, and sustainable learning spaces for children and young people. Its 2025 edition took place at Titanic Belfast. It featured a CPD-accredited conference across three rooms, covering topics such as early years, special educational needs, sports provision, modern methods of construction, the green agenda, and outdoor learning. Its purpose is to showcase best practices, policy updates, innovation, and inspiration.
https://www.learningenvironments-ni.uk/
Loughview Training Service is a Northern Ireland charitable training organisation delivering industry-specific apprenticeships and employability programmes since 1980. Its core services include its Apprenticeships NI programme, which includes retail, warehousing, hospitality, customer service, team leading, and management, as well as employer-focused and upskilling training. Employers support the programme by recruiting apprentices and providing on-site delivery.
https://www.loughviewtraining.com/
Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education
NICIE is a charitable organisation that promotes and supports integrated education across Northern Ireland. It is dedicated to advancing Integrated Education, which brings together children, parents, and teachers from Catholic, Protestant, and other faith traditions, as well as those of no faith, within a single school community. Its mission, vision, activities, projects, and programmes are highlighted on its website, along with its office location and contact details.
https://nicie.org/
Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action
NICVA is a membership and representative umbrella body for the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. The organisation publishes policy statements, research, lobbying priorities, and offers practical services such as fundraising, governance, HR, charity regulation guidance, and a GDPR/data protection toolkit. NICVA runs training programmes, ILM and TQUK accreditations, bespoke training, and the NICVA Academy, as well as ASCEND, RISP, and others.
https://www.nicva.org/
SkillEdni delivers vocational training, qualifications, and employability support across Northern Ireland, focused on helping students gain skills employers want and progress into work or apprenticeships. Their main training areas include hairdressing, hospitality, catering, and chef skills, and its programmes include "Skills for Life and Work Programme," "Apprenticeships NI Programme," and private or bespoke training on request, including packages to up-skill workforces.
https://www.skilledni.org/
