Education Minister Paul Givan has marked the first anniversary of the TransformED education reform programme by publishing its First Annual Progress Report and Updated Delivery Plan. The announcement took place at the TransformED One Year On School Leaders' Conference held in Ballymena.

The launch forms the centerpiece of a week-long series of TransformED events that has convened over 1,500 teachers, school leaders, education partners and international experts from Northern Ireland and further afield. The events focus on examining the milestones achieved so far and outlining the key priorities for the upcoming phase of the initiative.

The newly published report details the first-year advancements across curriculum development, qualifications, assessment, school improvement, teacher professional learning, and efforts to address educational disadvantage. It outlines a definitive transition for the programme from its initial design stage into full delivery. The core principle of the strategy dictates that enduring educational improvement relies on continuous investment in teaching quality, supported by reliable evidence and strong policy frameworks.

Addressing the conference delegates, the Minister stated: "TransformED is one of the most ambitious and far-reaching education reform programmes Northern Ireland has ever undertaken. This first annual Progress Report demonstrates real momentum across the system, rooted in trust in the teaching profession and a relentless focus on improving teaching and learning in the classroom.

"As we move into the next phase, the priority is delivery. Reform of curriculum, qualifications and assessment will be carefully paced, properly supported and grounded in partnership, so that schools and teachers are not asked to carry change alone." Key achievements highlighted from the initial year of implementation include the rollout of a new Primary School Literacy Framework, a major expansion of professional learning for teachers, and the creation of fresh policy frameworks for qualifications, curriculum, and assessment. The report also notes sustained funding via the RAISE Programme to combat educational disadvantage, alongside a new Curriculum Framework for Initial Teacher Education aimed at boosting the classroom readiness of newly qualified teachers.

The unveiling of the report aligns with various TransformED events scheduled across the week to foster shared ownership of the reforms and aid the shift toward implementation. This schedule includes conferences for school leaders and vice-principals, alongside a professional learning event focused specifically on literacy.

Prominent international education figures, such as Christine Counsell, Daniel T. Willingham, Lucy Crehan, and Tim Oates, are participating in the week's programme alongside local practitioners and school leaders. This collaborative approach ensures the reforms are rooted in global evidence while being tailored by regional experience.

In his concluding remarks, the Minister said: "I firmly believe that the TransformED reforms will deliver a fairer, richer and more ambitious educational experience for every learner in Northern Ireland. This week has provided an important opportunity for education professionals to reflect deeply, to question, to learn from one another and to be challenged by new thinking.

"TransformED is now entering its most critical phase. Over the year ahead, we will focus on consulting on a new statutory curriculum, developing high‑quality curriculum resources, continuing reform of assessment and qualifications, expanding leadership support and sustaining investment in professional learning. Our goal is to ensure that reform moves beyond policy and legislation into consistent, high‑quality classroom practice across the system."

The TransformED First Annual Progress Report and Updated Delivery Plan is available on the Department of Education's TransformED Hub at www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/transformed-first-annual-report-and-updated-delivery-plan.