This is a busy time in Education.

With a shortened Assembly mandate, there is not a moment to lose.

I am seeking to deliver across a range of priorities, from childcare to keeping children in training or education until they are 18.

But there is nothing more important than the revolution we are launching to ensure that we learn from international best practice, enabling us to develop a world-leading education system.

This was set out in our new TransformED strategy, which was launched on 11 March.

On Thursday, I hosted a conference attended by around half of all school principals in Northern Ireland.

It is a radical plan to reform and modernise education, ensuring it is future-proof and globally competitive. At its heart lies a commitment to raising standards; tackling educational disadvantage - particularly acute in many loyalist communities; and reforming our curriculum and assessment systems.

Education must be a key priority for our society. A strong education system is vital for Northern Ireland’s long-term growth and economic prosperity, and for our integral role within the United Kingdom.

At this week’s TransformED conference, we explored what the strategy means for our schools. The conference was attended by over 500 school leaders, policymakers, and education partners.

Key speakers included members of the International Ministerial Advisory Panel, which I established in January. This group of world-renowned experts has helped shape many of the highest-performing education systems across the globe. Their expertise in curriculum development, assessment, and educational innovation is helping us build a system that draws on international best practice while addressing Northern Ireland’s unique needs.

The conference was the first of its kind for many years. It was a fantastic event, and I was delighted that Gavin was able to join us on the day. The buzz, excitement, and optimism from our school principals, as they heard world-class insights about education, was very clear.

The conference showcased the DUP’s dedication to transforming education and to listening to our school leaders. It was a proud moment for our party and demonstrated how devolution can deliver change and improvement in crucial government services. are very exciting times for education. TransformED is about more than education—it’s about people: your families and communities. It’s about ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to world-class education. It’s about empowering teachers with the tools and support they need to inspire the next generation. And it’s about building a system that prepares our young people to lead fulfilling and engaged lives.

This strategy is not just about incremental change; it is about profound transformation - rooted in evidence, international best practice, and a shared vision for our young people.

I am confident that, over the next number of years, we can once again make Northern Ireland’s education system a beacon of excellence.

Together, we are shaping a brighter future for our children and our society. Together, we are building a united, thriving Northern Ireland within our great United Kingdom.

The DUP is committed to delivering an education system that equips every child in Northern Ireland with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

While the conference was an excellent opportunity to showcase the DUP’s ambitious plans for education, next week we return to the task of driving forward with our reform programme.

Enjoy your weekend,

Paul Givan MLA

Minister of Education

Weekly review with Trevor Clarke MLA

VE Day 80 across Northern Ireland