Every successful economy is built on the foundations of a good education system. So what happens when education standards begin to fall and what can Northern Ireland learn from what works elsewhere?

In this episode of Trading Up, host Jim Fitzpatrick is joined by columnist and commentator Newton Emerson to examine the state of education in Northern Ireland. While it has historically prided itself on strong academic outcomes, recent international PISA rankings reveal falling standards that hit disadvantaged pupils hardest.

Newton breaks down why Michael Gove’s evidence-based reforms in England delivered surprisingly progressive outcomes for low-income and immigrant students by reintroducing knowledge-rich curricula, high-stakes exams, and strict discipline. The discussion unpicks Education Minister Paul Givan’s current reform efforts at Stormont, contrasting them with trends in the Republic and England under a new Labour government.

Focusing on what a business audience truly needs, they discuss whether employers require basic academic rigour over vocational qualifications, how AI is altering coursework, and how declining pupil numbers will force structural change across Northern Ireland’s school sectors.

Tune in to explore what works for schools, skills, and economic growth.

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