28th April 2025
The Minister of Education, Paul Givan MLA has launched a consultation on proposals for legislation to increase the age of participation in education or training to 18.
The proposed legislation will encourage all young people to recognise the benefits of lifelong learning. This could include education in school, a Further Education college, employment, apprenticeship, training or volunteering which enables young people to progress, attain and succeed.
The consultation will runs until 4 July 2025 and can be accessed HERE.
A Child and Young Person’s version is available HERE.
The Minister said “I would encourage anyone with an interest in this important issue to respond to the consultation by the deadline. I would particularly welcome the views of young people.”
If you have any queries regarding this consultation, please contact 16-18legislation@education-ni.gov.uk