The school system in Northern Ireland

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:

• Constituency casework: schools in England, CBP 5396
• Constituency casework: schools in Scotland, CBP 7819
• Constituency casework: schools in Wales, CBP 7904