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Education: Northern Ireland

Asked by Carla LockhartDemocratic Unionist PartyDepartment for EducationTabled Answered 3 March 2026UIN 105069

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions her Department has had with the Department of Education in Northern Ireland to support improved educational outcomes across the UK; and what specific areas of collaboration are being prioritised.

Answered by Georgia Gould

Education is devolved, but the department collaborates with the Department of Education in Northern Ireland to share learning and improve standards. Ministers and officials meet throughout the year, including at the UK Education Ministers Council (UKEMC). My noble friend, the Minister for Skills, attended the last UKEMC in November 2025, which was attended by the Northern Ireland Minister of Education and focussed on curriculum reform, behaviour in schools and the use of artificial intelligence in schools.

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