Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed members of the International Ministerial Advisory Panel (IMAP) to NI for a two-day visit focused on the reform of curriculum and assessment.

The panel, appointed by the Minister in January 2025, comprises esteemed education experts: Christine Counsel, Hardip Begol, Daisy Christodoulou, Dr Harold Hislop, Dr Nina Hood, and Tim Oates.

During their visit, which commenced today (Thursday, 8th May), the IMAP members will undertake a number of school visits. They are also scheduled to meet with Lucy Crehan to discuss in detail the Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.

A key engagement for the panel will be their participation in the TransformED Conference for school leaders, also taking place today.

Welcoming the panel to Belfast, Minister Givan said: "I established the International Ministerial Advisory Group earlier this year as I wanted to learn from best practice, and it is a pleasure to welcome the Panel members to Northern Ireland for the first time." He added: "During the visit, the Panel members will be visiting schools, engaging with school leaders, sharing best practices and insights, and challenging our thinking."

Speaking about the conference, the Minister stated: "On Thursday we are bringing together over 600 school leaders, policy makers and education partners from across Northern Ireland for a TransformED Conference. I want to share my vision to profoundly transform education in Northern Ireland and we will be talking about what TransformED means for our schools and for the future of our children."

Mr Givan emphasised the importance of international perspectives: "We must look at what works in different countries, be open to new ideas and use evidence and international experience to guide reform of our education system locally."

In conclusion, he said: "The International Ministerial Advisory Group brings together world-renowned experts that can help us craft an education system that's not just fit for today but future-proof for tomorrow. I look forward to engaging with them during their visit, learning from their international expertise and encouraging them to bring a wider global dimension to our reform work in the key areas of curriculum and assessment."