AQW 49231/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 22/06/2026
Answered On Date: 26/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education for an update on (i) the action contained within his TransformED Delivery plan to develop a new school improvement policy to provide a framework to support schools in driving excellence and an improved model of external support when needed; and (ii) any cost incurred as a result of this action.

Answer:

As outlined in the TransformED First Annual Progress Report and Updated Delivery Plan published in May 2026, within the next 12 months, I intend to introduce a new school improvement and support framework. A new school improvement policy is under development, and an extensive review of the Formal Intervention Process is nearing completion. My Department is also currently working on a recruitment exercise to second a number of experienced and high-performing school leaders into the role of System Leadership Partners (SLPs) from 1 September 2026. The SLPs will strengthen school-to-school support, providing high-quality peer mentoring and coaching, in addition to shaping and supporting the implementation of the reforms under the overall TransformED programme.

There have been no costs incurred as a result of these actions to date.