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How is our work influencing life in Northern Ireland and delivering equality? Learn more about our policy, legal and research work.
 
 

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Case study videos - Improving attainment

Our policy recommendations call for actions to tackle prejudice based bullying and address inequalities in attainment. Our research on key inequalities in education highlight the extent of inequalities for specific groups.

Key Inequalities in Education in NI - introduction
Many children in Northern Ireland continue to experience persistent inequalities in education. The equality grounds where key inequalities were highlighted include: ethnicity, disability and gender, among others. These key inequalities are lifelong and impact upon the whole education journey.





The following examples reflect our recommendations. They show how specific targeted actions aimed at equality groups can contribute to improving their attainment.  Examples cover engagement with the wider community, parental involvement, the importance of supportive and inclusive learning environments and collaborative approaches.



Sandy Row Homework Club - Community engagement

Billy Ennis, Tutor Co-Ordinator at Sandy Row Homework Club, explains how community involvement and collaboration has improved the attainment levels of local children.
 





Oisín's story - Parental involvement and early intervention

Bernadette and Eugene Mee and son Oisín talk about his condition, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and his education experience. It shows the impact of early intervention and parental involvement on the education experience of a pupil with a disability.









St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook - Targeted action for boys
Daíthí Murray, Vice-principal at St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook, Co Armagh, talks about the steps his school has taken to significantly boost the performance of boys at GCSE level.









Special Education Needs Advice Centre - Outstanding issues for SEN framework
Fiona O’Donnell, Support and Information Officer at the Special Educational Needs Advice Centre (SENAC), provides an advisor’s view of the SEN framework.









Malone College, Belfast - Inclusion and community outreach
Máire Thompson, Principal at Malone College, Belfast, explains the actions taken to welcome and promote the attainment levels of Newcomer students.









Patrick's story - Supportive and inclusive learning environment for Travellers
Patrick McDonagh, an Irish Traveller studying at Trinity College, Dublin,
describes his experiences of the education system and how Traveller attainment could be improved.
 




Belfast Boys' Model School - Collaborative approachesBelfast Boys Model School
Boys' Model School in North Belfast has achieved success by harnessing the dedication and effort of teachers and support staff, pupils and local community to ensure greater achievement by Protestant working class boys.
 
 

 
< Key Inequalities in Education
< Education (main landing page)
 

How have we advised Government on policy issues?

We regularly consider and comment on government policy and strategy where there are equality or good relations implications.

Here are our responses to consultations in the education sector:

Consultation responses

Equality Commission consultation responses to:
 
 

Disability in Education & SENDO consultation responses

 
 



< Education Policy Priorities
 

Podcasts on Education Inequalities

 

We have produced a number of podcasts on education inequalities in Northern Ireland.