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Research Matters

A blog from the Northern Ireland Assembly Research and Information Service
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Research Matters
Northern Ireland Assembly logo
Research Matters

Education

A student reading in a library (Image: Tulane University, under Creative Commons)

Economic impact of cuts to the Higher Education sector

Education and training are key factors in economic progress, acting as a means of raising productivity. Whilst other factors can result in short-run economic improvements, education and training are critical to embedding long-term growth. As such, the current reductions in funding for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) could potentially have a negative impact on future economic development in Northern Ireland (NI).

A student reading in a library (Image: Tulane University, under Creative Commons)
A student reading in a library (Image: Tulane University, under Creative Commons)

Read More »Economic impact of cuts to the Higher Education sector

Illustration of STEM education word typography: strengthening the STEM ‘artery’ will require a range of approaches

Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)

How well is the compulsory education system supporting demand for STEM skills in Northern Ireland?

Skills development is critical in driving economic growth, and evidence highlights the importance of STEM subjects in contributing to innovation and productivity within economies. However, demand for people with high quality STEM qualifications outstrips supply in Northern Ireland, and employers face challenges in recruiting appropriately skilled STEM workers at every level. This undersupply is particularly acute in the areas of maths, computer science, engineering and technology, in line with growth forecasts for the ICT, Professional Services and Advanced Manufacturing sectors. Women are particularly underrepresented among the STEM workforce.

An illustration of STEM education word typography: strengthening the STEM ‘artery’ will require a range of approaches
STEM education word typography: strengthening the STEM ‘artery’ will require a range of approaches

Read More »Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)

Suicide rate per 100,000 persons; Belfast North and Belfast West are the two constituencies with the highest average annual suicide rate

Changes ahead for special educational needs

The growth of special educational needs and the implementation of new legislation point to challenges ahead.

There has been a steady increase in the prevalence of special educational needs (SEN) in Northern Ireland over the past ten years, rising from 16% of all school pupils in 2005/06 to 22% of pupils (73,435) in 2014/15.

Implementation of the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Act, together with forthcoming subordinate legislation and a revised statutory Code of Practice, present a number of challenges for the new Assembly. Under the revised approach, the number of SEN assessment stages will reduce from five to three, and it is likely that fewer children will undergo statutory assessment and receive a statement of SEN, with greater emphasis placed instead on in-school support.

Read More »Changes ahead for special educational needs

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Research and Information Service
Northern Ireland Assembly
Ballymiscaw
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3XX
Phone: 028 9041 8320

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