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The Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) has expressed concerns regarding the timing and methods used to assess the quality of education within the region. In a recent report, it highlighted that GCSEs occur too late in a student’s academic journey to serve as an effective indicator of educational quality. The audit emphasized that relying predominantly on GCSE and A-level exam results does not provide a full understanding of how well schools are performing or how well students are supported throughout their learning experience.
One significant issue raised involves the substantial funding aimed at Special Educational Needs (SEN), which has nearly doubled from £255 million in 2017/18 to £622 million in 2024/25. Despite this increased investment, the NIAO found limited evidence suggesting the funds are being utilized efficiently or that they are contributing to delivering high-standard education for pupils requiring these supports. The Audit Office also noted that the Department of Education lacks a clear definition of what constitutes “quality of education,” which complicates efforts to measure educational outcomes comprehensively.
The report further pointed out challenges related to school inspections, which have been severely impacted by industrial action from unions. Between 2018 and 2023, only 13 primary schools underwent full inspections, and not a single post-primary school received such scrutiny during this time. Full inspections are crucial as they involve direct observation of teaching practices and provide the Department with essential assurance about school performance and child protection. The disruption of these inspections poses risks concerning the maintenance of educational standards and safeguarding vulnerable students.
Income disparities also continue to reflect starkly in educational performance. The audit demonstrated a persistent gap between pupils eligible for free school meals and their peers. For instance, in 2025, only 53% of those entitled to free school meals obtained five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C, including core subjects, compared to roughly 80% of students not eligible for such assistance. Education Minister Paul Givan welcomed the NIAO report, underscoring the importance of early and reliable assessment data to better support children’s learning, and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering high-quality education as essential for the welfare of children and the future prosperity of Northern Ireland
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