Modern education system
School attendance is compulsory between the ages of 4 and 16. There is a coherent programme of support for pre-school children and their parents. Educational options for young people in the 16-19 year old group are extensive.
Every school is open to pupils of all religious denominations` though a significant number are educated with pupils from their own community. At present 17,000 pupils, approximately 5% of the school population, receive education in the growing integrated sector, where Protestant and Catholic parents have chosen to have their children educated together.
There is a statutory duty to encourage and facilitate integrated education, and schools now have the opportunity to gain integrated status.
A network of extended schools is being developed across Northern Ireland, through which schools can become hubs in their communities, integrating services and offering a wide range of support services beyond the traditional role of schools.
A new ten year strategy for children and young people has recently been launched, with £100 million allocated to pre-school provision alone to ensure services for children offer them the best start in life and support parents in raising the next generation.
