To ask the Minister of Education for an update on (i) the action contained within his TransformED Delivery plan to commission an independent review of accountability arrangements in Northern Ireland; and (ii) any cost incurred as a result of this action.

Work to undertake a review of accountability arrangements is at an embryonic stage. Departmental officials have collated evidence on how accountability within the Northern Ireland education system has evolved over time, including identified strengths and areas for improvement.

In parallel, steps are being taken to commission independent research to establish a robust evidence base, drawing on accountability models from high-performing education systems that have demonstrably supported improvement.

No costs have been incurred to date.