Education Minister Paul Givan says Nearly 3 in 10 Pupils in Schools Falling Behind in Literacy and Numeracy
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the publication of 2024–25 End of Key Stage Assessment outcomes, highlighting the urgent need for a renewed focus on literacy and numeracy across Northern Ireland’s schools.
The data, published by the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) shows that 28% of pupils at the end of primary school are not achieving at the expected levels in literacy and numeracy.
Acknowledging the assessment data outcomes, Education Minister Paul Givan said: “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.”
Recognising the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this cohort of pupils, many of whom were in P2 when schools first closed in 2020, the Minister added: “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.
“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.”
Further detailed analysis of the data, including breakdowns by Free School Meal Entitlement and Newcomer status, will be published by CCEA in November.
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Currently there are three key points in compulsory schooling, where the nature of assessment is stipulated by legislation:
- the end of Key Stage 1 (age 8);
- the end of Key Stage 2 (age 11); and
- the end of Key Stage 3 (age 14).
Teachers assessed pupils in Years 4, 7 and 10 were assessed in Communication and Using Mathematics using the Levels of Progression. Assessment of Communication was in the area of reading and Using Mathematics for the area of number only
End of Key Stage data can be accessed at:
https://ccea.org.uk/examiner-centre-support/statutory-assessment-reports-and-statistics
The level of school participation reporting pupil outcomes for 2024-25 is higher than the percentages previously recorded pre-pandemic. 40% for primary (316 of 781) schools and 49% of post-primary (94 of 190) have returned levels to date.
The Department has agreed “expected levels” which most children and young people are expected to be able to reach at these three key points in their education: age 8 (level 2); age 11 (level 4); and age 14 (level 5).
The key headline data is as follows:
- Key Stage 1: 82% of the pupils were assessed to be at or above level 2 (the expected level for most children) in Communication.
- Key Stage 1: 84% were assessed to be at or above level 2 (the expected level for most children).
- At Key Stage 2: 72% of the pupils were assessed to be at or above level 4 I (the expected level) in Communication.
- At Key Stage 2: 72% were assessed to be at or above level 4 in Using Mathematics.
- At Key Stage 3: 74% of the pupils were assessed to be at or above level 5 in Communication.
- At Key Stage 3: 76% of the pupils were assessed to be at or above level 5 (the expected level) in Communication.
