Transformative education recommendations unveiled

In a culmination of a two-year journey, the Independent Review of Education unveils its final report for reshaping Northern Ireland’s educational landscape, with aims to foster adaptability, inclusivity, and sustained success in the face of a dynamically evolving world

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Independent Review of Education

Panel Chairperson, Dr Keir Bloomer said: “Many of the concerns that we address in this report are common to all developed countries.  These include helping people to adapt to and flourish in a rapidly changing society and economy, raising standards of achievement, reducing the impact of disadvantage, encouraging learning throughout life and enabling the education system itself to make use of emerging technologies.

There are, of course, some aspects of the Northern Ireland education system that are unique for political and historical reasons.

We have sought to set out a series of deliverable recommendations that will change the landscape of education in Northern Ireland – building on its strengths but also tackling weaknesses.”

Key recommendations include the need to prioritise investment in education, promote learner’s learning together, expand early years education, reconfigure the network of schools, simplify the management of education, reform the curriculum and increase the age of educational participation to 18.

Navigating the report: Three volumes unveiled

The report unfolds across three interconnected volumes:

Volume 1: Overview and vision

This introductory volume outlines the task at hand, delineates priority areas for reform, and presents key recommendations.

Volume 2: In-depth analysis

Delving deeper, this volume dissects the current state of the education system. Identifying strengths, weaknesses, and operational modes, it builds the rationale for proposed actions.

Volume 3: Appendices and background

Bringing depth to the narrative, Volume 3 includes appendices offering additional background information.

The Independent Review of Education’s comprehensive recommendations present a roadmap for SBLs to shape an education system that is adaptive, inclusive, and poised for sustained success. Read the full report here.