Transforming Education Northern Ireland

Duplication and division are endemic at every level of the education system in Northern Ireland. Ninety-three percent of pupils in mainstream education attend schools that have either a British/ Protestant or a Catholic/Irish heritage and identity. A system of education is needed that is fit for the 21st Century – this
generation and future generations deserve this legacy. The issue facing reformers this time around is not just about accessing more money to maintain a broken system. It is beyond doubt that more investment is required – the Independent Review of Education identifies Northern Ireland as having a highly underfunded education system with chronically constrained budgets. But it is more than that - it is the challenge of sustaining a vision, motivation and commitment to change in the face of inevitable resistance from familiar, vested interests which cannot be allowed to continue to block movement, if we are to move towards a truly shared future.