An introduction and reference guide to the key schools-related topics in Northern Ireland
The school system in Northern Ireland (442 KB , PDF)
Members often receive enquiries from constituents about school-related matters. This briefing paper considers the education system in Northern Ireland, to assist in answering those queries. It provides an overview of the school system and discusses school types, key organisations and school organisation. It also looks at school admissions, transport, attendance, exclusion, special educational needs and complaints about schools.
Where complex issues are raised it may be more appropriate to refer the constituent to specialist bodies and organisations or to a solicitor if legal advice is sought.
As education is a devolved area, different arrangements are in place for the other countries in the UK.
See also the accompanying Library briefings:
The school system in Northern Ireland (442 KB , PDF)
This briefing provides information on suicide prevention policy in schools and colleges in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Education policy is devolved, and there are different measures in place across the UK.
This paper provides statistics on household food insecurity, food bank usage and free school meals in the UK, and tracks the impact of rising living costs.
A short briefing looking at the educational experiences of young carers
