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Asked by Michelle

AQW 34168/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils remaining in special schools beyond year 12, in each of the last five academic years.

Asked by Michelle Guy MLA on 22 October 2025

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
22 October 2025
Answer due by
6 November 2025
Answered
3 November 202512 days after tabling
Department
Department of Education
Priority question
No

Answer

In special schools, due to their diverse nature, age of pupil is commonly used as a proxy for year group. The number of pupils enrolled in special schools aged 16 and over on 1st July of each academic year can be found in the table below.

2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25
8148919209811046

Source: Annual School Census

Official sources

  • AQW 55074/22-27To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 41605/22-27 to detail the latest data available for the year 2025-2026.
  • AQW 54848/22-27To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the business case to expand the number of Team Teach tutors available for special schools.
  • AQW 54712/22-27To ask the Minister of Education to detail the current status of the business case to expand the number of Team Teach tutors available fo…
  • AQW 54711/22-27To ask the Minister of Education to detail any progress that has been made on the Early Years Northern Ireland Framework for ages 0- 6.
  • AQW 54710/22-27To ask the Minister of Education pursuant to Circular 2025/04, paragraph 15, to detail any actions taken to provide additional staff trai…