New data from the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) has revealed that 28% of pupils in Northern Ireland are not achieving expected levels of literacy and numeracy by the end of primary school.

In response, Education Minister Paul Givan has highlighted an "urgent need" for a renewed focus on these foundational skills across the country's schools. Minister Givan described the findings as a "significant concern," noting that a lack of these skills could impact pupils' future learning and life opportunities. He also acknowledged the likely effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on this particular group of children, many of whom were in P2 when schools first closed in 2020. The Minister said the disruption to their education is likely to "leave a long legacy."

In a direct response to the data, Mr Givan announced that new literacy guidance will be published for schools in the near future, supported by a targeted programme of teacher professional learning. These initial steps are part of a broader strategy to raise standards and review the Northern Ireland curriculum as a whole. The Minister also thanked the schools and teachers who participated, stating that their contributions have provided a "clearer understanding" of the education system's current position.

Further analysis of the data, which will include breakdowns by factors such as Free School Meal Entitlement, is expected to be published by the CCEA in November.