To ask the Minister of Education for an update on (i) the action contained within his TransformED Delivery plan to develop a replacement qualification for headship to support our newly appointed and aspiring principals; and (ii) any cost incurred as a result of this action.

Following a competitive procurement process, a consortium of local Higher Education Institutions, comprising Queen’s University Belfast, Stranmillis University College, St Mary’s University College and Ulster University, has been appointed to develop and deliver a professional learning programme for new and aspiring school principals.

The new programme is currently being developed and will be piloted between January and December 2027.

To date, £75k has been invested in delivering this commitment.