14-19 Policy

The Department of Education (DE) and the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) are working conjointly to bring forward a co-ordinated programme of provision for 14-19 year olds. This work is essential given the determination of both Departments to enhance the contribution of schools, further education, higher education and training to the development of the local economy.

This approach reflects the national debate in the UK on the best form of provision for this age group and it builds on the existing work within the Vocational Enhancement Programme (VEP) and the ongoing implementation of the Entitlement Framework. The work includes consideration of the curriculum; qualifications; careers advice, planning; funding; and their relevance to the needs of the economy.

Recent developments in England and NI have focussed greater attention on the 14-19 continuum in post-primary and further education, particularly in skills and applied and general qualifications.

We are in the early stages of starting work, along with DEL on beginning to co-ordinate a programme of provision across the schools and further education sectors in NI and there will need to be consideration given to the funding implications of potential future provision for 14-19 year olds.