21/08/2025
NI's Education Age To Be Raised To 18
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced plans to extend compulsory participation in education or training in Northern Ireland to the age of 18, following a public consultation.
The consultation, which ran from Tuesday, 14 April to Friday, 4 July, received a strong response, with a significant majority of stakeholders supporting the proposed change. The proposal came from the Independent Review of Education, which called for a more modern education system and a reduction in post-16 inequalities.
Minister Givan stated his Department will now draft legislation to introduce to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
"The new law will create a minimum offer for all young people, ensuring equality of opportunity and a structured pathway of support and guidance," he said.
He noted that a person's background remains a key factor in whether they progress to post-16 education, and the new legislation will help improve life chances for all, especially the most vulnerable.
The Minister thanked all who participated in the consultation, particularly the young people who responded, stating their views would help shape a way forward with a strong focus on choice and a range of appropriate pathways.
The legislation is part of the Minister's wider TransformED Programme. A summary of the consultation responses and next steps is available on the Department of Education website.
The consultation, which ran from Tuesday, 14 April to Friday, 4 July, received a strong response, with a significant majority of stakeholders supporting the proposed change. The proposal came from the Independent Review of Education, which called for a more modern education system and a reduction in post-16 inequalities.
Minister Givan stated his Department will now draft legislation to introduce to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
He noted that a person's background remains a key factor in whether they progress to post-16 education, and the new legislation will help improve life chances for all, especially the most vulnerable.
The Minister thanked all who participated in the consultation, particularly the young people who responded, stating their views would help shape a way forward with a strong focus on choice and a range of appropriate pathways.
The legislation is part of the Minister's wider TransformED Programme. A summary of the consultation responses and next steps is available on the Department of Education website.
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