1. Introduction and Overview

Purpose of the Compendium

This compendium provides an overview of the key statistical datasets produced by the Department of Education (DE), as well as several research surveys that provide information relevant to education policy in Northern Ireland. It is designed to support evidence-based decision making by making data more accessible and understandable to a wide audience, including policymakers, researchers, educators, and members of the public.

Where available, infographics offer quick insights into trends and patterns, while dataset descriptions and variable/topic lists support deeper exploration. By bringing this information together in one place, the compendium promotes transparency, encourages collaboration, and supports informed discussion around education policy and practice.

Scope of the Compendium

The compendium covers a range of data collected by the DE statistics and research teams (the Statistical Analysis Team and the Research & Evaluation Team) and several research surveys that provide information relevant to education policy in Northern Ireland. Where available, the following information is provided – dataset descriptions, key variables/topics, infographics, links to statistical bulletins/research websites. After the summary tables, the Compendium begins by showcasing any available infographics – visual representations of key data designed to provide a quick and intuitive understanding of trends and insights.

How to Use the Compendium

To support ease of use, the compendium starts with two summary tables outlining the available datasets and surveys, including links to more detailed information. These are followed by infographics that highlight important data and trends. Annexes provide further detail on each dataset or survey, including variable/topic lists and links to relevant publications for deeper analysis.

Future Updates

This compendium will be updated annually to reflect the latest data releases, changes to existing datasets, and evolving policy priorities. Feedback is welcome to help improve the usefulness and relevance of this resource. Please send comments or suggestions to .

2. Summary of Key Datasets

Dataset Name Frequency of Update Links to Infographics Link to Detailed Description and Variable List Link to Latest Statistical Bulletin
School Census (Pupil Enrolments, Attendance and Exams) Annual Infographic 1
Weblink: Education Data Infographics 2025/26 | Department of Education 		Annex 1 DE School Census (Pupil Enrolments, Attendance and Exams) Annual enrolments at schools and in funded pre-school education in Northern Ireland 2025-26 (nisra.gov.uk)
School Meals Uptake Annual Infographic 2
Weblink: School Meals 2024-25 Infographic | Department of Education 		Annex 2 School Meals (Uptake) School Meals in Northern Ireland 2024-25 (nisra.gov.uk)
Summary of Annual Examination Results (SAER) Annual Infographic 3
Weblink: Year 12 and Year 14 Examination Performance at Post Primary Schools in Northern Ireland 2024-25 Infographic | Department of Education 		Annex 3 Summary of Annual Examination Results (SAER) Year 12 and Year 14 Examination Performance at Post-Primary Schools in Northern Ireland 2024-25 (education-ni.gov.uk)
School Leavers Annual Infographic 4
Weblink: Qualifications and Destinations of Northern Ireland School Leavers 2024-25 Infographic | Department of Education 		Annex 4 School Leavers Survey Qualifications and Destinations of Northern Ireland School Leavers 2024-25 (nisra.gov.uk)
Teacher Numbers Annual Infographic 5
Weblink: Teacher-Workforce-Statistics 2025-26 Infographic | Department of Education 		Annex 5 Teacher Numbers Teacher workforce statistics in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland, 2025/26 (nisra.gov.uk)
Support Staff (Manual and Non-Manual) for VG and GMI schools Annual Infographic 6 (none available) Annex 6 Support Staff (Manual and Non-Manual) for VG and GMI schools Not available
Teacher Vacancies Annual Infographic 7
Weblink: Teacher Vacancy Sickness Absence and Substitution Costs 2025-26 Infographic | Department of Education 		Annex 7 Teacher Vacancy Return Teacher vacancies, sickness absence and substitution statistics in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland, 2025/26 (nisra.gov.uk)
Suspensions and Expulsions Annual Infographic 8 (none available) Annex 8 Suspensions and Expulsions Data Pupil Suspensions and Expulsions in Northern Ireland 2024/25 Official Statistics in Development (education-ni.gov.uk)

3. Summary of Key Surveys

Survey Name Frequency of Update Target Population Link to List of Topics Link to Reports
Young Life and Times (YLT) Annual 16 year olds Annex 9 Young Life and Times (YLT) Young Life and Times Homepage (ark.ac.uk)
Kids Life and Times (KLT) Annual P7 pupils Annex 10 Kid’s Life and Times (KLT) Kids’ Life and Times- Northern Ireland (ark.ac.uk)
Young People’s Behaviour and Attitudes (YPBAS) Every three years 11-16 year old pupils Annex 11 Young People’s Behaviour and Attitudes (YPBAS) Young Persons’ Behaviour & Attitudes Survey | Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (nisra.gov.uk)
Northern Ireland Life and Times (NILT) Annual Adults aged 18+ Annex 12 Northern Ireland Life and Times (NILT) NILT | ARK - Access Research Knowledge (ark.ac.uk)
Continuous Household Survey (CHS) Annual Households and individual adults Annex 13 Continuous Household Survey (CHS) Continuous Household Survey | Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (nisra.gov.uk)
School Omnibus Every two years Grant aided primary, post-primary and special schools and pre-school settings Annex 14 School Omnibus Survey reports | Department of Education (education-ni.gov.uk)
The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) Every five years Year 6 pupils Annex 15 The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) | Department of Education (education-ni.gov.uk)
The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) Every four years Year 6 pupils Annex 16 The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) | Department of Education (education-ni.gov.uk)
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) Every three years 15 year old pupils Annex 17 The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) | Department of Education (education-ni.gov.uk)
Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) Longitudinal (periodic) Children born in UK (2000–02) Annex 18 Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) Millennium Cohort Study (cls.ucl.ac.uk)

4. Infographics

Please click on each infographic to zoom

Infographic 1 - School Census

If using a mobile or tablet, please rotate your screen to landscape for optimal experience

Overview Infographic.

Overview Infographic.

Overview Infographic.

Overview Infographic.

Overview Infographic.

Overview Infographic.

Overview Infographic.

Infographic 2 - School Meals Uptake

Overview Infographic.

Infographic 3 - Summary of Annual Examination Results (SAER)

Overview Infographic.

Infographic 4 - School Leavers Survey

Overview Infographic.

Infographic 5 - Teacher Numbers

Overview Infographic.

Infographic 6 - Support Staff (Manual and Non-Manual) for VG and GMI schools

None available

Infographic 7 - Teacher Vacancy Return

Overview Infographic.

Infographic 8 - Suspensions and Expulsions Data

None available

5. Annexes

Dataset/Survey Overviews and Variable/Topic List

Annex 1 DE School Census (Pupil Enrolments, Attendance and Exams)

Dataset Overview

  • Description
    • The school census gathers details on, for example, pupil sex, year group, religion, ethnicity, special educational needs, etc. Schools are classified according to type, or management type, to allow analysis of various sectors to take place. Geographical analysis is also conducted, at various levels, for example at former Education and Library Board and District Council levels.
    • The data is analysed to produce overall attendance figures for each academic year, including information on the levels of absence, type of absence and reason for absence. Attendance and absence rates, both authorised and unauthorised, for each school in Northern Ireland are also produced, where available.
    • The examination results data for post-primary schools enables subject averages and subject trends analyses to be produced.
  • Lead statistician
    • Eimear McKee and Conor McLean (Pupil Enrolments)
    • John Toogood (Attendance)
    • Michele McNally (Exams)
  • Frequency of update
    • Annual
  • Date of latest publication
    • Pupil Enrolments - February 2026 (revised June 2026)
    • Attendance - January 2026
    • Exams – No publication
  • Infographic weblinks
  • Statistical bulletin weblinks

Variable List

  • Data collected at individual pupil level via EDI for post primary schools
    • Sex
    • Date of birth
    • Unique Pupil Identifier
    • Unique Learning Number
    • Admission number
    • Pupil name
    • Number of ½ day sessions attended
    • Number of ½ day sessions missed
    • Reason for absence
    • Religion
    • Ethnicity
    • Highest level of study
    • Free school meal entitlement
    • Actual Year group
    • Registration group
    • SEN stage
    • SEN need type
    • Boarder
    • Fee payer
    • Date of arrival at school
    • Dual registered pupils
    • Referral reason for dual registration
    • In Specialist Provision in Mainstream School
    • Type of Specialist Provision in Mainstream School
    • In Irish Medium unit
    • Full address (inc. home postcode and Country of residence)
    • First language
    • Newcomer child with English as an additional language
    • Length of time pupils are recorded as a newcomer
    • ‘Children Looked After’
    • Living arrangements for ’Children Looked After’
    • Health Trust for ’Children Looked After’
    • Personal Education Plan for ‘Children Looked After’
    • Children of forces personnel
    • Level achieved at KS2 in English and mathematics (Y8)
    • Reasons KS2 not achieved in English and mathematics (Y8)
    • Type of accommodation (for Travellers)
    • Pupils with a disability
    • Type of disability (Physical/mental/both)
    • Pupil in receipt of EMA
    • Pupil was previously registered with a Sure Start
    • Pupil previously attended a Sure Start developmental programme for 2 and 3 year olds
    • Level of study (pupils in years 11 – 15 only)
    • Currently in Nurture unit
    • Previously in Nurture unit
    • FSM ever 6 (pupil has been entitled to free school meals in any of the last 6 years)
    • FSM ever 3 (pupil has been entitled to free school meals in any of the last 3 years)
    • Ever in care
    • Medical conditions
    • X and Y coordinates of pupil home address
    • Country of birth (not fully rolled out yet across all year groups)
    • Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN Code)
    • Examination Board
    • Qualification Type
    • Discount Code
    • Year and Season examination awarded
    • Grade awarded
    • Grade points value
    • Key Stage 4 A*-C value
    • Key Stage 4 A*-E value
    • Key Stage 4 A*-G value
    • Level 3 A*-C value
    • Level 3 A*-E value
  • Data collected at summary level for post primary schools
    • Pupils not domiciled in NI
    • Projected enrolments by year group
    • In-migration and Out-migration to NI over the past year
    • Number of specialist provision classes in the school
    • Level achieved at KS3 in English and mathematics (senior highs only)
    • Reasons KS3 not achieved in English and mathematics (senior highs only)
  • Data collected at individual pupil level via EDI for special schools
    • Sex
    • Date of birth
    • Unique Pupil Identifier
    • Admission number
    • Pupil name
    • Number of ½ day sessions attended
    • Number of ½ day sessions missed
    • Reason for absence
    • Religion
    • Ethnicity
    • First language
    • Newcomer child
    • Length of time pupils are recorded as a newcomer
    • Free school meal entitlement
    • ’Children Looked After’
    • Living arrangements for ’Children Looked After’
    • Health Trust for ’Children Looked After’
    • Personal Education Plan for ’Children Looked After’
    • SEN stage
    • SEN need type
    • Referral reason for dual registration
    • Dual registered pupils
    • Date of arrival at school
    • Full address (inc. home postcode and Country of residence)
    • Year Group
    • Registration group
    • Children of forces personnel
    • Type of accommodation (for Travellers)
    • Pupils with a disability
    • Type of disability (Physical/mental/both)
    • Pupil was previously registered with a Surestart
    • Pupil previously attended a Surestart developmental programme for 2 and 3 year olds
    • Currently in Nurture unit
    • Previously in Nurture unit
    • FSM ever 6 (pupil has been entitled to free school meals in any of the last 6 years)
    • FSM ever 3 (pupil has been entitled to free school meals in any of the last 3 years)
    • Ever in care
    • Medical conditions
    • X and Y coordinates of pupil home address
    • Country of birth (not fully rolled out yet across all year groups)
  • Data collected at summary level for special schools
    • Pupils not domiciled in NI
    • Projected enrolments by year group
    • In-migration and Out-migration to NI over the past year
  • Data collected at individual pupil level via EDI for primary schools
    • Sex
    • Date of birth
    • Unique Pupil Identifier
    • Admission number
    • Pupil name
    • Number of ½ day sessions attended
    • Number of ½ day sessions missed
    • Reason for absence
    • Religion
    • Ethnicity
    • Free school meal entitlement
    • Pupils with parent in receipt of JSA/Income Support (nursery pupils only)
    • Year group
    • Pattern of attendance for nursery pupils
    • SEN stage
    • SEN need type
    • Boarder
    • Fee payer
    • Referral reason for dual registration
    • Dual registered pupils
    • Date of arrival at the school
    • In Specialist Provision in Mainstream School
    • Type of Specialist Provision in Mainstream School
    • In Irish Medium unit
    • Full address (inc. home postcode and Country of residence)
    • First language
    • Newcomer child
    • Length of time pupils are recorded as a newcomer
    • ’Children Looked After’
    • Living arrangements for ’Children Looked After’
    • Health Trust for ’Children Looked After’
    • Personal Education Plan for ’Children Looked After’
    • Registration groups (including composite classes).
    • Children of forces personnel
    • Pupils with a disability
    • Type of disability (Physical/mental/both)
    • Previous educational experience of year 1
    • Type of accommodation (for Travellers)
    • Pupil was previously registered with a Sure Start
    • Pupil previously attended a Sure Start developmental programme for 2 and 3 year olds
    • Currently in Nurture unit
    • Previously in Nurture unit
    • FSM ever 6 (pupil has been entitled to free school meals in any of the last 6 years)
    • FSM ever 3 (pupil has been entitled to free school meals in any of the last 3 years)
    • Ever in care
    • Medical conditions
    • X and Y coordinates of pupil home address
    • Country of birth (not fully rolled out yet across all year groups)
  • Data collected at summary level for primary schools
    • Pupils not domiciled in NI
    • Projected enrolments by year group
    • In-migration and Out-migration to NI over the past year
    • Number of specialist provision classes in the school
  • Data collected at pupil level for nursery schools
    • Home postcode
  • Data collected at summary level for nursery schools
    • Sex
    • Pattern of attendance
    • Age (Under 3, aged 3, over 3 only)
    • Projected numbers by age and pattern of attendance
    • ’Children Looked After’
    • Living arrangements for ’Children Looked After’
    • Class size and numbers
    • Pupils with parent in receipt of JSA/Income Support
    • Religion
    • Ethnicity
    • Newcomer children
    • SEN stage
    • SEN need type
    • Medical Conditions
    • Children of forces Personnel
    • Children not domiciled in Northern Ireland.
    • Type of accommodation (for Travellers)
    • Children with a disability
  • Data collected at pupil level for voluntary and private pre-school centres
    • Home postcode
  • Data collected at summary level voluntary and private pre-school centres
    • Number of hours of pre-school activity provided per day
    • Total children in centre
    • Number of funded children
    • For funded children:
    • Sex
    • Pattern of attendance
    • Projected numbers by age and pattern of attendance
    • ’Children Looked After’
    • Living arrangements for ’Children Looked After’
    • Class size and numbers
    • Pupils with parent in receipt of JSA/Income Support
    • Religion
    • Ethnicity
    • Newcomer children
    • SEN stage
    • SEN need type
    • Medical Conditions
    • Type of accommodation (for Travellers)
    • Children with a disability

Annex 2 School Meals (Uptake)

Dataset Overview

  • Description
    • The information collected in the School Meals Uptake data collection combined with information on FSME in the main School Census allows the comparison of uptake of free school meals against entitlement.
  • Lead statistician
    • Michele McNally
  • Frequency of update
    • Annual (but not updated in 2022 or 2024)
  • Date of latest publication
    • June 2025
  • Infographic weblink
  • Statistical bulletin weblink

Variable List

  • Data is collected at summary level from each grant-aided school
    • Type of meal provision
    • Number of pupils present on the reference date
    • Number of pupils present on the reference date but not availing of a midday break
    • Number of pupils taking traditional meal – paying
    • Number of pupils taking traditional meal – free
    • Number of pupils taking cash cafeteria meal – paying
    • Number of pupils taking cash cafeteria meal – free
    • Number of pupils making other lunch arrangements (including pupils bringing own food)
    • Number of adults taking school meal – paying
    • Number of adults taking school meal – free – kitchen staff
    • Number of adults taking school meal – free – midday supervisors

Annex 3 Summary of Annual Examination Results (SAER)

Dataset Overview

Variable List

  • Variables collected during the Summary of Annual Examination Results (SAER) process
    • Sex
    • Free school meal entitlement
    • Number of pupils in Year 12 eligible for examinations
    • Number of pupils in Year 12 entered for 5+ GCSEs (or equivalent)
    • Number of pupils in Year 12 entered for 7+ GCSEs (or equivalent)
    • Number of pupils achieving 7+ GCSEs at grades A*-C (or equivalent)
    • Number of pupils achieving 7+ GCSEs at grades A*-C (or equivalent) incl. GCSE English and GCSE maths
    • Number of pupils achieving 5+ GCSEs at grades A*-C (or equivalent)
    • Number of pupils achieving 5+ GCSEs at grades A*-C (or equivalent) incl. GCSE English and GCSE maths
    • Number of pupils achieving 5+ GCSEs at grades A*-E (or equivalent)
    • Number of pupils achieving 5+ GCSEs at grades A*-G (or equivalent)
    • Number of pupils achieving 5+ GCSEs at grades A*-G (or equivalent) incl. GCSE English and GCSE maths
    • Number of pupils achieving 1-4 GCSEs at grades A*-C (or equivalent)
    • Number of pupils achieving 1-4 GCSEs at grades A*G (or equivalent)
    • Number of pupils achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-G (or equivalent)
    • Number of pupils in the final year of an A-level (or equivalent) course of study
    • Achieving 3+ A-levels at grades A*-C (or equivalent)
    • Achieving 3+ A-levels at grades A*-E (or equivalent)
    • Achieving 2+ A-levels at grades A*-C (or equivalent)
    • Achieving 2+ A-levels at grades A*-E (or equivalent)
    • Achieving 1+ A-levels at grades A*-E (or equivalent)
    • Number of pupils ineligible for inclusion in SAER returns and reason for ineligibility

Annex 4 School Leavers Survey

Dataset Overview

Variable List

  • Data collected at individual pupil level via Electronic Data Interchange for pupils leaving post primary schools
    • Sex
    • Admission number
    • Pupil name (for validation only)
    • Religion
    • Ethnicity
    • Free school meal entitlement
    • FSM ever (pupil has ever been entitled to free school meals)
    • Actual Year group
    • Registration Year group
    • Dual registered pupils
    • Referral reason for dual registration
    • SEN stage
    • SEN need type
    • Medical conditions
    • Boarder
    • Fee payer
    • Date of arrival at school
    • Educated off-site but not in a school
    • Gap year
    • In Specialist Provision in Mainstream School
    • In Irish Medium Unit
    • Home postcode
    • First language
    • Newcomer child with English as an additional language
    • Children Looked After
    • Living arrangements for ‘Children Looked After’
    • Health Trust for ‘Children Looked After’
    • Ever in Care
    • Fee Payer
    • Postcode
    • Children of forces personnel
    • Type of accommodation (for Travellers)
    • Pupils with a disability
    • Date of leaving the school
    • Reason (destination) for leaving school
    • Pupil in receipt of EMA
    • English as an additional language start date
    • English as an additional language end date
    • Learning Support Centre
    • School DENI Number
    • School name
    • Country of birth (not fully rolled out yet across all year groups)

Annex 5 Teacher Numbers

Dataset Overview

Variable List

  • Data collected at individual teacher level via an online return
    • Sex
    • Teacher Reference Number
    • Age
    • Full-time or part-time working pattern
    • Contract type
    • Hours worked per week
    • Department
    • Hours worked per week in primary
    • Hours worked per week in post-primary
    • Principals and Vice-Principals

Annex 6 Support Staff (Manual and Non-Manual) for VG and GMI Schools

Dataset Overview

  • Description
    • Data is collected on support staff for VG and GMI schools
  • Lead statistician
    • Christine Bowden
  • Frequency of update
    • Annual
  • Date of latest publication
    • No publication
  • Infographic weblink
    • N/A
  • Statistical bulletin weblinks
    • N/A

Variable List

  • Data collected at school level for VG and GMI schools
    • Admin/Clerical/Finance staff
    • Nursery Assistants
    • Classroom Assistants
    • General Assistants
    • Technicians/Lab Assistants
    • Foreign Language Assistants
    • Library Staff
    • School Nurse/Matron
    • Pupil Welfare
    • Learning Support
    • Community/Extended Schools
    • Sports Coaches
    • Supervisory
    • Catering Staff
    • Maintenance/Caretaker
    • Building Cleaning Staff
    • School Crossing Patrol
    • Transport Escorts
    • Transport/ Driver
    • Other Support Staff
    • Sex
    • Full-time or part-time working pattern

Annex 7 Teacher Vacancies, Sickness Absence and Substitution Costs

Dataset Overview

Variable list

  • Data is collected at school level by Central Survey Unit via the Teacher Vacancy Return
    • Vacancies filled and vacancies still to be filled
    • Grade of post (Principal / Vice Principal or classroom teacher)
    • Type of contract (Permanent / Temporary)
    • Full-time or part-time vacancies
    • Main subject of vacancy
    • Number of vacancies filled by newly qualified teachers
    • Number of vacancies that could be filled by newly qualified teachers
  • Data is taken from the Teachers’ Payroll System at individual teacher sickness absence
    • Full-time or part-time
    • Sex
    • Length of absence
    • Teacher reference number
  • Data is taken from the Teachers’ Payroll System for substitution costs
    • School type
    • Management type
    • Reason for substitution cover

Annex 8 Suspensions and Expulsions Data

Dataset Overview

  • Description
    • These data are collected by the Education Authority at the request of the Department’s Additional Educational Needs Team and subsequently passed to SRT for analysis. The suspensions data collection form Notification of Pupil Suspension to EA (education-ni.gov.uk) was reviewed and amended by the Department’s Additional Educational Needs Team for the 2023/24 academic year.
  • Lead statistician
    • Christine Bowden
  • Frequency of update
    • Annual
  • Date of latest publication
    • May 2026
  • Infographics
    • N/A
  • Statistical bulletin weblink

Variable list

  • Data collected suspensions
    • School name
    • DENI reference number
    • Unique Pupil Number
    • Year group
    • Stud ID
    • Sex
    • Postcode
    • Ethnicity
    • SEN
    • SEN Stage
    • Date of birth
    • Child Looked After
    • Disabled
    • Type of suspension
    • Start date
    • Length of suspension
    • Reason for suspension
  • Data collected expulsions
    • Year group
    • Unique Pupil Number
    • Sex
    • Ethnicity
    • SEN stage
    • Disability
    • School management type
    • Reason for expulsion
    • Reinstated on appeal
    • Date reinstated

Annex 9 Young Life and Times (YLT)

Survey Overview

Topic List

List 2020-21 2022 2023 2024 2025
Age of Criminal Responsibility ✓
Background ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Community Relations ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Community Safety and Perceptions of Paramilitary Influence ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Cross Community Contact ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Environment and Global Issues ✓
Education ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Family ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Financial Wellbeing ✓
Gender Based Violence ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Health and Wellbeing ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Identity ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Minority Ethnic Groups ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Relationships ✓ ✓
Sport ✓
Coronavirus ✓ ✓
Politics ✓ ✓
Coercive Control ✓
Rights ✓ ✓
Respect ✓
Social Media ✓

Annex 10 Kid’s Life and Times (KLT)

Survey Overview

Topic List

List 2020-21 2022 2023 2024 2025
Background ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Bullying ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Financial Wellbeing ✓
Kidscreen ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
School ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Sport ✓
Wellbeing ✓ ✓
Environment ✓ ✓
Self Esteem ✓ ✓
Shared Education ✓ ✓ ✓
Transfer Test ✓
Coronavirus ✓
Rights ✓ ✓
Technology ✓
Respect ✓

Annex 11 Young People’s Behaviour and Attitudes (YPBAS)

Survey Overview

Topic List

List 2022
Sport & Physical Activity ✓
Travelling to School ✓
Road Safety ✓
Careers Advice & Guidance ✓
Future Intentions ✓
Long Term Conditions ✓
Young Carer ✓
Medicines ✓
CPR Training ✓
Personal Wellbeing ✓
Self-Efficacy ✓
Locus of Control ✓
Libraries ✓
Museums & Science Centres ✓
Historic Environment ✓
Arts ✓
Sign Language ✓
Irish & Ulster Scots Language ✓
Breastfeeding ✓
Organ Donation ✓
Attitudes Towards Domestic Violence ✓
Care in the Sun ✓
Sunbeds ✓
More About Your Health ✓
Equality ✓
Volunteering ✓
Play & Leisure ✓
Social Media ✓
School ✓
Subject Choices ✓
Next Steps ✓
Health & Wellbeing ✓
Gambling ✓
Sexual Health ✓
More About You ✓
Smoking ✓
Alcohol ✓
Solvents & Drugs ✓
Personal Safety ✓
Nutrition ✓
More About Your Health ✓

Annex 12 Northern Ireland Life and Times (NILT)

Survey Overview

Topic List

List 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Background ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Abortion ✓
Artificial Intelligence ✓
Community/Good Relations ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Community Safety and Perceptions of Paramilitary Influence ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Criminal Justice System ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Gender-based Violence ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Income and Poverty ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Languages ✓
Minority Ethnic People ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Palliative Care ✓
Politics/Political Attitudes ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Respect ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
COVID-19 ✓
Mental Health ✓ ✓
Coercive Control
Safeguarding ✓
Skills ✓
Education ✓ ✓
Climate Change ✓
Road Safety ✓

Annex 13 Continuous Household Survey (CHS)

Survey Overview

Topic List

  • Household Schedule
    • Household Information
    • Accommodation, Tenure & Home Heating
    • Household Internet Access & Car Access
    • Domestic Tourism: Overnight Trips
    • Children Play Facilities/Travel to School
    • Household Water Usage
  • Individual Schedule
    • Domestic Tourism: Trips/outings
    • Individual water use
    • Sports Participation
    • Use of Public Library Services
    • Use of Museum Services
    • Participation in Arts Activities &Events/Volunteering
    • Volunteering
    • Use of PRONI/Heritage/Irish-Ulster Scots/Sign language
    • Wellbeing
    • PFG
    • Victim’s and survivor’s strategy
    • Housing Satisfaction
    • Environmental
    • Circular Economy
    • Education & UNCRC
    • Health
    • Individual Internet Access & Usage
    • Employment
    • Accidents and Illness at Work
    • Road Safety
    • Walking & Cycling
    • Public Transport & Journey Planning
    • Electric Vehicle Ownership
    • Religion, Sexual & Gender ID, National Identity & Dependents
    • PCOS

Annex 14 School Omnibus

Survey Overview

Topic List

List 2013 2014 2015 2016 2018 2022 2024
Sustainable schools ✓ ✓
Shared Education ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Play in schools ✓ ✓
Children’s Services and Co-operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 ✓ ✓
Community use of school premises ✓
Pupil participation ✓ ✓
Use of external providers to support the delivery of the statutory curriculum ✓
Art and design in primary schools ✓
Early years and reception provision ✓
ICT ✓
Peer mentoring ✓
Free school meals ✓ ✓
Business education ✓
Middletown Centre for Autism ✓ ✓
CPR in schools (post-primary only) ✓
Pre-employment Vetting ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
School Transport ✓ ✓
School Counselling ✓ ✓
Gifted and Talented Children ✓ ✓
Physical Education ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
School Uniform ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender issues ✓ ✓
Pupil participation and community use of schools ✓ ✓
School Assessments ✓
Cycling and physical activity ✓
Breakfast provision ✓ ✓
Education Other Than at School and Alternative Education Provision ✓
Employment of teachers in the post-primary sector ✓
Foundation stage ✓
Transition from primary to post-primary school ✓
Stemworks and business education ✓
Websites and communication ✓
Supporting pupils with medication needs ✓
SEN End to End Review ✓
Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 ✓
Community of Lifesavers ✓
Specialist provisions in mainstream schools (SPiMS) ✓
SEN Pupil Support Services ✓
Special schools’ and mainstream schools’ connections ✓
Children Looked After ✓
End to End Review of School Improvement ✓
Pre-school Setting: Remote and Blended Learning ✓
Pre-school Setting: Penultimate Pre-school Children ✓

Annex 15 The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS)

Survey Overview

Topic List

Contextualisation Questionnaires

  • Student Questionnaire Content
    • Home learning environment
    • Sense of belonging
    • Bullying
    • Confidence in reading
    • Attitudes to reading
    • Pupils’ digital self-efficacy
    • Use of digital devices in school and out of school
  • School Questionnaire Content:
    • School characteristics
    • Pupil demographics
    • School environment
    • School resources
    • Emphasis on academic success
  • Teacher Questionnaire Content
    • Characteristics of the class
    • Reading instructional time
    • Instructional approaches
    • Career satisfaction
    • Professional development
    • Education
    • Pupils’’ readiness for lessons
    • Limitations on teaching and learning
  • Home Questionnaire Content
    • Languages spoken in the home
    • Parents’ reading activities
    • Parents’ attitudes toward reading
    • Parents’ education and occupation
    • Early literacy and numeracy activities
    • Child’s reading readiness

Note the home questionnaire was not administered after the 2021 cycle of PIRLS

Annex 16 The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)

Survey Overview

Topic List

Contextualisation Questionnaires

  • Student Questionnaire Content
    • Home learning environment
    • Sense of belonging
    • Bullying
    • Confidence in mathematics and science
    • Attitudes to mathematics and science
    • Pupils’ digital self-efficacy
    • Use of digital devices in school and out of school
  • School Questionnaire Content
    • School characteristics
    • Pupil demographics
    • School environment
    • School resources
    • Emphasis on academic success
    • Teacher Questionnaire Content:
    • Characteristics of the class
    • Mathematics and science instructional time
    • Instructional approaches
    • Career satisfaction
    • professional development
    • Education
    • Pupils’’ readiness for lessons
    • Limitations on teaching and learning
  • Home Questionnaire Content
    • Languages spoken in the home
    • Parents’mathematics and science activities
    • Parents’ attitudes toward mathematics and science
    • Parents’ education and occupation
    • Early numeracy and scientific activities
    • Child’s mathematics and science readiness

Note the home questionnaire was not administered after the 2019 cycle of TIMSS

Annex 17 The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)

Survey Overview

Topic List

Contextualisation Questionnaires

  • School Questionnaire Content
    • School management and policies
    • School characteristics
    • School admissions policies
    • Pupil grouping policies
    • School assessment policies and practices
    • Monitoring and evaluation
    • Professional development
    • Barriers to teaching and learning at school
    • Parental engagement
    • Extra-curricular activities
    • Career development activities
  • Student Questionnaire Content
    • Pupils’ life satisfaction
    • Pupils’ perceptions of school safety
    • Pupils’ sense of belonging at school
    • Pupils’ experiences of bullying at school
    • Pupils’ sense of relative family wealth
    • Pupils’ attitudes towards learning
    • Pupils’ growth mindsets
    • Pupil aspirations
    • Pupil’s anxiety
    • Pupil attitudes towards mathematics, English and science
    • Pupil time spent on learning-related activities
    • Pupil use of digital devices

Annex 18 Millennium Cohort Study (MCS)

Survey Overview

Topic List

Sweep Age Main topic domains
MCS1 9 months Pregnancy & birth; parental demographics; household structure; income & employment; childcare; parenting; parental health; infant health & development
MCS2 3 Child development; behaviour; childcare; early education; family structure; income & work; housing; parenting; parental health
MCS3 5 School readiness; cognitive assessments; health; behaviour; family & income; parenting; childcare; teacher assessments; leisure
MCS4 7 School experiences; cognitive tests; behaviour & wellbeing; physical health; family; income; neighbourhood; peer relationships
MCS5 11 Secondary transition; attainment; cognitive ability; mental health; early risk behaviours; family & income; aspirations; relationships
MCS6 14 Adolescent mental health; risky behaviours; social media; peer relationships; aspirations; education; family; physical health
MCS7 17 Post-16 education; employment; mental health; wellbeing; relationships; substance use; identity; civic attitudes; physical measures
MCS8 23 Adulthood transition; employment; education; housing; partnerships; fertility intentions; mental health; wellbeing; economic circumstances