AQW 46487/22-27
Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley
Tabled Date: 18/05/2026
Answered On Date: 09/06/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail the projected number of young people due to leave or graduate from special schools over the next five years.
Answer:
Pupils with a statement of special educational needs may choose to stay in school until the end of the academic year in which they reach 19 years of age. The figures in the table below relate to pupils who will be aged 19 by the end of each academic year. These estimates have been derived from the latest school census data by determining the current ages of pupils in special schools and projecting how many will turn 19 in the upcoming academic years. It should be noted, however, that not all of these pupils will necessarily remain in the school system until they reach age 19. Some may leave education earlier, while others may transfer between different educational settings. This includes movement from special schools to mainstream schools or Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) provision, as well as transfers from mainstream or EOTAS settings into special schools. Number of pupils in special schools turning 19 years old by end of academic year Academic Year | Number of pupils | 2025/26 | 300 | 2026/27 | 391 | 2027/28 | 476 | 2028/29 | 532 | 2029/30 | 514 |
Source: Annual School Census
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