Education in Northern Ireland

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Education in Northern Ireland differs slightly from systems used elsewhere in the United Kingdom, though is more similar to that used in England and Wales than it is to Scotland. The Northern Ireland system emphasises a greater depth of education compared to the English and Welsh systems. The majority of examinations sat, and education plans followed, in Northern Irish schools are set by the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).

In general, the cut-off point for ages is the end of August, so all children must be of a particular age on the 1st of September in order to begin class that month.

School holidays in Northern Ireland are also considerably different to the rest of the United Kingdom. Northern Irish schools often do not take a full week for half term holidays, and the Summer term does not usually have a half term at all. Christmas holidays sometimes consist of less than two weeks, the same with the Easter vacation. This does, however, vary considerably between schools. The major difference however is that summer holidays are considerably longer with the entirety of July and nearly all of August off, giving an eight week summer holiday.

Although religious integration is increasing, Northern Ireland has a highly segregated education system, with 95% of pupils attending either a maintained (Catholic) school or a controlled school (mostly Protestant). Teaching a balanced view of some subjects (especially history) is difficult in these conditions.

Northern Ireland remains the largest area in the UK which still operates grammar schools. In the last year of primary school, children sit the eleven plus transfer test, and the results determine which school they will go to. In 2001 the decision was taken to abolish the system, and to replace it with a form of comprehensive education, but this will not take effect until 2008. For further information, see the article on the Tripartite System.

All schools in Northern Ireland follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum which is based on the National Curriculum used in England and Wales. At age 11 on entering secondary education all pupils study a broad base of subjects which include Geography, English, Maths, Science, PE, Music and modern languages. Currently there are proposals to reform the curriculum to make its emphasis more skills based and in addition to those mention, Home Economics, Local and Global Citizenship and Personal, Social and Health Education will become comnpulsory subjects.

At age 14 pupils select which subjects to continue to study for GCSE examinations. Currently its is compulsory to study English, Maths, Science, a modern language and Religious Studies, although a full GCSE course does not have to be studied for the latter. In addition, pupils usually elect to continue with other subjects and many study for 8 or 9 GCSEs but possibly up to 11 or 12. GCSEs mark the end of compulsory education in Northern Ireland.

At age 16 some pupils stay at school and chose to study AS and A2 level subjects or more vocational qualifications such as AVCEs. Those chosing AS and A2 levels mormally pick 3 or 4 subjects and success in these can determine acceptance into higher education courses at university.

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School years

  • Primary Education
    • Primary School
      • Key Stage 1
        • Primary 1, age 4 to 5
        • Primary 2, age 5 to 6
        • Primary 3, age 6 to 7
      • Key Stage 2
        • Primary 4, age 7 to 8
        • Primary 5, age 8 to 9
        • Primary 6, age 9 to 10
        • Primary 7, age 10 to 11 (Eleven plus exams to determine secondary school placement.)
  • Secondary Education
    • High School or Grammar School
      • Key Stage 3
        • Year 8, age 11 to 12 (equivalent to Year 7 in England and Wales)
        • Year 9, age 12 to 13
        • Year 10, age 13 to 14
      • Key Stage 4
        • Year 11, age 14 to 15
        • Year 12, age 15 to 16 (GCSE examinations)
    • High School, Grammar School, or Further Education College
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See also

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