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 4 key stages of which Key Stages 1 and 2 are primary education and Key Stages 3 and 4 are post-primary education.
Key Stage 1 covers years 1 to 4
Key Stage 2 covers years 5 to 7
Key Stage 3 covers years 8 to 10
Key Stage 4 covers years 11 to 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. An information brief PDF 52 KB is available giving a background to the curriculum.
Q. Where can I obtain a copy of the Programmes of Study?
A. The Programmes of Study are available here on the Department’s website to copy or download. Alternatively, hard copies may be purchased from the Stationery Office (TSO), 16 Arthur Street, Belfast. They cost around £23.00 for Key Stages 1 and 2, £23.00 for Key Stages 3 and 4, or £4.00 for individual subjects.
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 9533. 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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