This week, something significant happened in Northern Ireland, and if you work in education, or care about how young people are being prepared for life beyond school, it’s worth taking notice. This reform in Northern Ireland should have us all paying attention.
On the surface, the news might sound dry: “Minister accepts 21 recommendations for curriculum reform.” But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear that this could mark one of the most exciting, thoughtful, and child-centred shifts in education that the UK or Ireland has seen in years.
Here’s why I think this deserves our attention — and what we can all learn from it.
A Curriculum with Purpose (Finally)
The current curriculum in Northern Ireland was introduced back in 2007. Since then, there’s been no major overhaul. It’s often been criticised for being too vague, lacking coherence, and leaving too much to chance when it comes to what students actually learn.
Now, Lucy Crehan’s report, “A Foundation for the Future”, offers a clear and evidence-based path forward.
Instead of just tinkering around the edges, it proposes a full reimagining. A curriculum with purpose. One that’s structured, sequenced, and built on what research tells us works best. Not just for ticking boxes, but for helping students thrive.
And here’s the bit I really appreciate: the focus isn’t just on what children do in school, but on the kind of people they’re becoming. That’s not just educational jargon. That’s a huge shift in intention.
The Big Ideas
There are 21 recommendations in total, but a few stand out straight away.
One of the most exciting is the move towards a coherent and knowledge-rich curriculum. That means clearer expectations for what children should learn and when, not to pile on pressure, but to ensure consistency and confidence for both teachers and students. No more guessing games. No more postcode lotteries.
There’s also a big emphasis on professional trust and agency. Teachers will be supported to develop deep subject knowledge and to make meaningful choices about how to deliver content. This will mean less box-ticking and more room for genuine learning.
Another welcome change is the plan to ensure that all key stages are aligned with clear curriculum purposes. Right now, we often see children transition between stages (especially into secondary) and lose momentum because the systems don’t talk to each other. This reform aims to fix that.
And importantly, the report makes space for wellbeing, oracy, and wider skills. These will not be fluffy extras, but part of the core curriculum. Because what good is any amount of content if young people leave school unable to communicate, think critically, or navigate life with confidence?
Why This Matters Outside Northern Ireland
You might be thinking, “That’s great, but I live in Donegal”. Or “We follow the Junior Cycle/CfE/NC, not the NI curriculum.”
Fair point. But this is bigger than a single education system.
What Northern Ireland is doing here is sending a strong message: that it’s time for our curriculums to stop limping along on old assumptions. That we need systems designed for today’s world, not yesterday’s tests.
I know from my own work how many children feel lost in the current frameworks. Bright students who feel bored. Struggling students who feel defeated. Creative thinkers who never get the chance to shine.
When a curriculum is disjointed, the pressure lands on teachers to fill the gaps. And when it’s vague, students end up with wildly different experiences depending on where they are and who teaches them.
So when a government takes a bold step, backed by research, led by experts, and focused on children’s real needs, it sets an example for all of us.
What Happens Next
The Department of Education in Northern Ireland has accepted the report’s recommendations. A new Taskforce has been created. It is led by Christine Counsell (a well-respected voice in curriculum design) to develop the new statutory framework.
The goal is implementation from September 2027. This gives time for deep planning, consultation, and professional development.
And that’s key. Real reform takes time. But with this roadmap, they’re not rushing blindly. They’re taking careful, deliberate steps and building something that could make a lasting difference.
A Quiet Revolution
I don’t say this lightly, but this feels like the beginning of a quiet revolution in education. Not a flashy change with slogans and rebrands – but something more grounded. More meaningful.
If you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who cares about children’s futures, this is the kind of story that brings hope. Because behind every policy shift are real young people who deserve the best from their education.
Let’s hope others are watching. Listening. And learning.
If you’d like to read the full NI government announcement, you can find it here.
And if you want to talk about how curriculum design impacts the students I work with every day at Emerald Education, or how to help your child thrive within any system, drop me a message. This is what I love to talk about.