Education Minister Paul Givan has highlighted the urgent need for “a renewed focus on literacy and numeracy across Northern Ireland’s schools,” as he responds to the End of Key Stage Assessment outcomes for 2024-25 released by CCEA.
It shows that 28% of pupils are not achieving the expected levels of literacy and numeracy by the time they leave primary school.
Givan said that the findings are a “significant concern” and also recognised the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on this cohort of pupils.
“The data, published by CCEA, shows that nearly three in 10 pupils are not achieving at the expected levels in literacy and numeracy by the end of primary school. This is a significant concern, particularly as these foundational skills are essential for pupils’ future learning, wellbeing and life opportunities.
“It is also a stark reminder of the challenges we face and it highlights the urgent need for a renewed focus on literacy and numeracy across our schools,” he said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic meant many children missed several months of school and this disruption to education is likely to leave a long legacy, particularly for younger children and those from the most disadvantaged background. It is therefore important that outcomes in reading and writing assessments continue to be monitored.”
He added: “Teachers have given us a clear and important message. We must act decisively to change the trajectory. That is why I will shortly be publishing new literacy guidance for schools supported by a targeted programme of teacher professional learning.”
Emphasising that these measures are part of a broader plan, Paul Givan continued: “These initial steps form part of a wider strategy to raise standards in literacy and numeracy and to review the Northern Ireland curriculum more broadly. The forthcoming literacy and numeracy strategies will outline a range of evidence-based actions designed to support teachers in the classroom.
“I want to thank the schools and teachers who participated at a significant level in this important data collection. Their contributions have given us a clearer understanding of where our education system stands following the challenges of recent years.”
In November, CCEA will publish more detailed analysis of the data, including breakdowns by Free School Meal Entitlement and Newcomer status.
