AQW 53733/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 05/10/2026
Answered On Date: 13/10/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any ways in which his Department will ensure that professional autonomy of teachers is protected with the implementation of Curriculum 2028.

Answer:

The proposed Northern Ireland Curriculum 2028 provides a common minimum entitlement for all learners by setting out the knowledge, skills and understanding that pupils should develop. This is intended to provide greater clarity and consistency in what is taught across schools.

Within this framework, teachers will continue to exercise professional judgement in planning and delivering learning to meet the needs of their pupils. While the curriculum is clearer about what pupils are entitled to learn, schools and teachers will retain flexibility in how learning is organised and delivered. Implementation guidance and resources will be developed to support teachers and will complement, rather than prescribe, classroom practice.