AQW 35899/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 19/11/2025
Answered On Date: 01/12/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions he is taking, following the the recommendation in the Independent Review of Education, that all learners, starting from age 14, should explore a wider range of educational pathways, including pre-vocational and technical education and learning about the world of work, and to achieve this, schools need to collaborate more effectively, while also working closely with the further education sector, to provide increased choice and flexibility.

Answer:

Through the Entitlement Framework, schools are required to offer access to a minimum of 21 courses at Key Stage 4 and Post-16, of which at least one third must be general and one third applied. This aims to ensure that schools provide access for pupils to a broadly based and balanced range of subjects and qualifications which meet the interests and progression needs of their pupils, whether that is in to training, employment, further or higher education opportunities. These courses may be delivered in collaboration with Further Education colleges, training providers or other schools.

My Department is continuing to work in collaboration with the Department for the Economy on the actions contained within the 14-19 Framework. This work includes consideration of how more effective collaboration can be achieved between schools, colleges and training providers.

High quality careers education in schools is crucial in ensuring learners are aware of their options and the available pathways. All teachers, including careers teachers, have a role to play in ensuring that learners are aware of the range of qualifications and progression pathways available through those qualifications. Young people are further supported through independent, impartial information and guidance about the range of pathways, including vocational and technical routes available to learners.

Through the joint careers action plan, my officials are working with colleagues in the Department for the Economy to implement several actions that will increase opportunities for work related learning and engagement with employers for both learners and their teachers.