Northern Ireland launches consultation on extending education to age 18

Education Minister Paul Givan has unveiled a major consultation aimed at ensuring all young people in Northern Ireland remain in education, apprenticeships, or training until the age of 18.

The proposal, launched today, Monday 14 April, seeks to transform opportunities for learners and address inequalities that prevent some—particularly the most vulnerable—from continuing their education beyond 16.

The consultation, which runs until 4 July 2025, invites views from young people, educators, employers, and the wider public on legislation that would make participation in learning compulsory up to 18. It builds on the Independent Review of Education, published in December 2023, and aligns with the Minister’s TransformED NI strategy, announced last month.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Givan emphasised the transformative potential of education investment.

“Research shows that investment in education can deliver a better future for all,” he said. “The vision is to provide a seamless lifelong education journey that inspires, develops skills, abilities, and talents, and celebrates each success.”

Currently, most young people in Northern Ireland stay in education or training until 18, but the Minister highlighted a persistent issue: “Some, particularly our most vulnerable, do not. Regrettably, a young person’s background remains a key factor in whether they progress to post-16 education.”

The proposed legislation aims to close this gap by ensuring all learners have access to structured pathways, whether through school, Further Education (FE) colleges, apprenticeships, employment-based training, or volunteering.

The initiative is not about raising the compulsory school-leaving age, which remains 16, but about encouraging lifelong learning.

“In a modern economy, it is in the young person’s own interests to continue their education or training after 16,” Mr Givan explained. “We need a workforce with high levels of skill and education. That’s why I want to create a minimum offer for all young people, particularly those who are most vulnerable, to ensure equity of opportunity and a clear pathway of support.”

The legislation would also place duties on authorities to promote participation, monitor non-engagement, and provide tailored support where needed. This could include early interventions to prevent disengagement, reducing the need for costly long-term measures later.

The consultation explores how the changes would affect schools, FE colleges, employers, training providers, and the voluntary sector. A dedicated version for children and young people has been published to ensure their voices are heard.

“I am particularly interested in the views of young people,” Mr Givan added, urging widespread participation.

The proposal has its roots in the 2023 Independent Review of Education, to which the Minister responded in October 2024. It dovetails with TransformED NI, which underscores education’s role in driving economic prosperity amid technological advancements and globalisation. “A well-educated population is vital for Northern Ireland’s future,” the strategy states.

Responses to the consultation will shape the final legislation, with results expected by 30 September 2025 and feedback due by 31 October 2025. An Equality Impact Assessment has been published alongside the consultation documents to ensure the proposals promote inclusivity.

The consultation is accessible online at nidirect.gov.uk, with the child-friendly version available at a separate link. As Northern Ireland looks to build a more equitable education system, all eyes will be on the public’s response to this ambitious plan.

The consultation runs from 14 April to 4 July 2025.

The Equality Impact Assessment is available at education-ni.gov.uk.

TransformED NI was announced on 11 March 2025, outlining the Minister’s vision for education reform.