Pre-School
Age 3–4 / Before Year 1
Pre-school education offers children one year of non-compulsory education. Children learn at their own pace through a breadth of learning experiences and challenging play activities in a stimulating environment.
The Development Pathway
Pre-School
Age 3–4 / Before Year 1
Pre-school education offers children one year of non-compulsory education. Children learn at their own pace through a breadth of learning experiences and challenging play activities in a stimulating environment.
Foundation Stage
Age 4–6
Primary school Years 1 and 2 make up the Foundation Stage. Children build on the learning experiences that they bring to school from home and/or pre-school. They learn through well-planned, challenging play that develops their interests, curiosity and creativity.
Key Stages 1 & 2
Age 6–11
Key Stage 1 (primary school Years 3 and 4) builds on Foundation Stage experiences, and Key Stage 2 (primary school Years 5, 6 and 7) builds on Key Stage 1 experiences. As children progress through these stages, they move from informal to more formal learning.
Key Stage 3
Age 11–14
At Key Stage 3 (post-primary Years 8, 9 and 10), the curriculum builds on the learning experiences that pupils bring from primary school. Pupils now attend classes in different subjects, and teachers typically teach specific subjects to pupils across the different Years.
Key Stage 4
Age 14–16 / Qualifications
At Key Stage 4 (post-primary Years 11 and 12), pupils build on their learning from Key Stage 3. Pupils meet the statutory curriculum requirements through compulsory Areas of Learning and optional courses that lead to general and/or applied qualifications.
Post-16
Qualifications
At post-16, young people can choose from a number of qualifications that we offer at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, including GCE A levels.
Featured Learning Resources
Progression Pathways
Teachers! Explore interactive resources showing how the curriculum and CCEA qualifications connect and reward learning from ages 3-19
PSFSKS1&2KS3KS4P16GENEngA Window On Special
'A Window on Special' is a collection of short videos from schools and educational establishments in Northern Ireland, giving a snapshot of the
PSFSKS1&2KS3KS4P16SENEngQuick Guides to the Curriculum for Parents
What to expect when your child starts primary and/or post-primary school. Download our resource(s).
PSFSKS1&2KS3GENEng
Latest News
The Department of Education (DE) invites applications to become a member of CCEA’s Council
The Department of Education (DE) has launched a public appointments competition to appoint at least six members to CCEA’s Council. Applications are welcomed and encouraged from a wide range of people who have an interest in public service.
CCEA celebrates Outdoor Classroom Day with visits to local schools
This week CCEA, as part of Outdoor Classroom Day, met with St James’s Primary School, Whitehouse Primary School, and Hazelwood Integrated Primary School to see how children are learning and exploring outside of the traditional classroom setting.
CCEA welcomes new Chief Executive Gerry Campbell
This week Gerry Campbell has joined CCEA as the organisation’s Chief Executive, after leading the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) for nearly six years.