Secondary education in Northern Ireland
Responsibility for education passed to the Northern Ireland
Executive in 1999, was taken back by central government in October
2002 on the suspension of the devolved government. Powers over
education were reinstated in May 2007 with the resumption of the
Executive. Northern Ireland is unique among the home nations in
having a full grammar school system, much like the one that existed
in England in the 1950s. However, the system is set to be
abolished. Details of its replacement are as yet
unclear.
The Northern Ireland Curriculum aims to empower young people to
achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible
choices and decisions throughout their lives. The curriculum
in Northern Ireland changed in 2007 and is well outlined in its
website www.nicurriculum.org.uk.
Phases of secondary education in Northern Ireland
| Phase of education |
Type of institution |
Key stages |
Year/grade key |
Typical age |
| Secondary Education |
GCE ''A" Levels, GCE
''AS'' Level examinations provide access to further and higher
education and the world of work |
| Further education
colleges |
Secondary or Grammar
Schools |
Year 14 |
17-18 |
. |
| Year 13 |
16-17 |
. |
| General Certificates of Secondary
Education (GCSEs), National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and
GCSEs in vocational subjects |
| Secondary Schools or
Grammar Schools. |
Key Stage 4 |
Year 12 |
15-16 |
| Year 11 |
14-15 |
| Key Stage 3 |
Year 10 |
13-14 |
| Year 9 |
12-13 |
| Year 8 |
11-12 |
| Transfer test (Eleven Plus) to determine
secondary school placement |
Learn more about the following curriculum areas in Northern
Ireland:
Secondary maths
Secondary personal finance
education