Skip to main content

An overview of the Northern Irish educational system

Northern Ireland
Understand more about the curriculum used in Northern Ireland and how students are assessed with this brief guide.

Education in Northern Ireland is similar to the structure set up in England, with a few key differences. For instance, the age at which children start school is determined by whether they turn four by 1 July of the academic year, whereas in England and Wales it is 1 September. 

Also, all Northern Irish schools follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum, which is based on the National Curriculum of England but tailored to local needs. This curriculum is divided into five Key Stages: Foundation Stage (Years 1 and 2), Key Stage 1 (Years 3 and 4), Key Stage 2 (Years 5–7), Key Stage 3 (Years 8–10), and Key Stage 4 (Years 11–12). While this mirrors England's curriculum structure, the specific expectations and assessments are unique to Northern Ireland.

Students in Northern Ireland don't sit Key Stage 1 and 2 SATs (Standard Assessment Tests); instead, they are assessed by their teachers using Levels of Progression (LoP). These assessments occur at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 4) and Key Stage 2 (Year 7). Teachers assign levels to students based on their performance, and these levels correspond to specific expectations: students should be at Level 2 by the end of Key Stage 1 and at Level 4 by the end of Key Stage 2. Formal results are reported to parents at the end of Year 4 and Year 7. 

In secondary school, pupils take General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams in Year 12 and have the option to continue into Years 13 and 14 to study for A-levels or more vocationally-focused Advanced Level exams. 

The Northern Ireland Curriculum also includes compulsory Religious Education (RE) at all Key Stages, though parents have the right to withdraw their children from these lessons if they wish.

Age during school yearEngland and Wales:
National Curriculum (plus Foundation Phase in Wales)
Northern Ireland:
Northern Ireland Curriculum
Scotland:
Curriculum for Excellence
4-5ReceptionYear 1(Nursery)
5-6Year 1Year 2P1
6-7Year 2Year 3P2
7-8Year 3Year 4P3
8-9Year 4Year 5P4
9-10Year 5Year 6P5
10-11Year 6Year 7P6
11-12Year 7Year 8P7
12-13Year 8Year 9S1
13-14Year 9Year 10S2
14-15Year 10Year 11S3
15-16Year 11Year 12S4
                         A-Levels and SCE Highers – not compulsory
16-17Year 12Year 13S5
17-18Year 13Year 14S6
Give your child a headstart

Give your child a headstart

  • FREE articles & expert information
  • FREE resources & activities
  • FREE homework help
By proceeding you agree to our terms and conditions. For information on how we use your data, see our privacy policy. You will receive emails from us but can opt out at any time.