Education Minister Paul Givan has today announced a landmark Teacher Professional Learning (TPL) Fund, representing a £31 million investment over the next three years. This significant funding initiative aims to ensure that all schools across Northern Ireland can access high-quality professional learning opportunities, providing dedicated resources for continuous professional development.

The TPL Fund forms a key component of the Department of Education's TransformED Strategy, which was launched in March 2025. This strategy outlines a clear vision for transforming teaching and learning, prioritising excellence, equity, and efficiency within the education system.

Announcing the funding, Paul Givan underscored the crucial role of educators. “Teachers are the backbone of our education system and their professional growth is key to unlocking the capabilities of every child. The quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers. This £31m investment will empower teachers throughout their careers," he stated. “The TPL Fund will help ensure that every teacher in Northern Ireland has access to meaningful, high-quality professional learning, enabling them to grow, collaborate and lead in an ever-evolving educational landscape," the Minister added.

The TPL Fund is designed to support a wide array of professional learning activities, including:

Participation in courses leading to formal qualifications or professional accreditation and certification.

Funding for substitute cover to release teachers for individual or collaborative learning.

School-based and externally facilitated professional development programmes.

Mentoring and coaching initiatives.

Participation in professional learning networks.

Minister Givan further explained: “This is about embedding a culture of continuous, career-long professional learning. The TransformED strategy recognises that when teachers are supported to develop their practice, pupils benefit. The TPL Fund will give schools the flexibility to choose professional learning opportunities that best meet their needs and those of their learners. I am confident this investment will have a lasting, positive impact across our education system."