AQW 27310/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education to detail what consideration has been given to the aligning of school finishing times across all primary school year groups.

Asked by Kate Nicholl MLA on 19 May 2025

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
19 May 2025
Answer due by
4 June 2025
Answered
23 May 20254 days after tabling
Department
Department of Education
Priority question
No

Answer

Schools have the autonomy and flexibility to set their own start and finish times. In determining these times, all schools must take account of the statutory requirements on the minimum number of hours that pupils must be under instruction each day. This differs for children aged below and above the age of eight.

The school’s individual context may influence finishing times such as the need to take account of the availability of transport or traffic congestion.

Official sources