Frequently asked questions on the Curriculum

Q.   What are the years of compulsory education in Northern Ireland?

A.   The 12 years of compulsory education are divided into 5 key stages of which Foundation and Key Stages 1 and 2 are primary education and Key Stages 3 and 4 are post-primary education.

Foundation Stage covers years 1 and 2

Key Stage 1 covers years 3 and 4

Key Stage 2 covers years 5 to 7

Key Stage 3 covers years 8 to 10

Key Stage 4 covers years 11 and 12.

Q.   When do children start school in Northern Ireland?

A.   Northern Ireland has the earliest compulsory school starting date in the UK, and one of the earliest in Europe:  children start school in September if they have reached the age of 4 by the previous 1st July, and so are aged 4 years and 2 months to 5 years and 2 months on starting.  

Q.   Where can I obtain information on the Northern Ireland Curriculum?

A   The Minimum Content Order PDF 209 KB specifies the Minimum Content for each area of learning of the curriculum at each key stage.

More detailed information and support in relation to the areas of learning at each key stage is available on the NI Curriculum website.

Q.   Where can I obtain a copy of my exam certificate?

A.   Copies of Senior and Junior certificates issued between 1947 and 1962 can be obtained from the Department at a cost of £3.75, contact 028 9127 9543.   For copies of certificates issued between 1963 and 1971 you should contact the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) – Telephone local:028 9126 1200, international:+44 (0)28 9126 1200

For copies of GCE and GCSE certificates you should also contact the CCEA.

Q.   What is my qualification equivalent to in Northern Ireland?

A.   The CCEA are responsible for equivalences of examinations and can be contacted on Telephone local:028 9126 1206, international:+44 (0)28 9126 1206

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