Learner Voice

What We Want to Achieve

We want a system that:

• Provides clear and coherent progression pathways from Levels 0 to 6, supporting seamless movement into further study or employment
• Equips learners with a broad range of skills, including technical, vocational, literacy, numeracy, digital, and employability skills
• Delivers high-quality, consistent, and responsive teaching and learning
• Actively supports those facing barriers to participation, promoting inclusion and re-engagement

A learner-centred approach will ensure that the learner views are considered throughout programme design and delivery. Learners’ experiences, feedback, and outcomes will shape a system that remains relevant, responsive, and effective.

Research into Learner Recruitment, Retention and Progression

To support the development of the FE Curriculum Framework and wider FE Fit for the Future Programme, the Department has commissioned the Centre for Research in Educational Underachievement (CREU) at Stranmillis University College to undertake independent research into learner recruitment, retention and progression across Northern Ireland's Further Education sector.

Running from September 2026 to March 2027, the research will examine learner experiences, progression pathways, barriers to participation, labour market opportunities and examples of good practice from other jurisdictions. The findings will help inform future policy development and identify opportunities to strengthen learner participation, progression and outcomes.

The study will combine data analysis, stakeholder engagement, learner focus groups and comparative policy research to develop evidence-based recommendations for the Department and the Further Education sector.

Learners will play a central role in the research. Engagement activities will take place across the six Further Education colleges, providing learners with opportunities to share their experiences, views and aspirations.

Findings from the research will help ensure future reforms are informed by learner experiences and support a system that is more responsive, inclusive and effective.

Further information and key findings will be published on this website as they become available.

Inclusion and Access

FE Fit for the Future is committed to ensuring that Further Education remains accessible to all learners, regardless of background, circumstance or geography.

There is a need for better learner outcomes, progression and destination data. Alongside this, the programme will seek to help ensure there is a more coordinated approach to planning for increasing Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEN/D) demand, including capacity, transport, personal care and progression pathways. Through its actions, the programme aims to support a more inclusive, coordinated and effective approach to SEN/D provision across the Further Education sector.

Further Information

For more information on the Review of Post-School Education, Skills and Training Provision for Young People with Special Educational Needs, please see:

• Review of Post-School Provision for Special Educational Needs Learners

• Review of Post School Education, Skills and Training Provision, and the associated legislation protections, for Young People with Special Education Needs – Summary of Findings 

• Archibald announces new proposals to support school leavers with special educational needs