Number of children educated in Irish rises by 400%

According to the BBC, the number of pupils receiving Irish-medium education in Northern Ireland has risen by approximately 400% over the last 25 years, from 1,602 in 2001 to 7,811 in 2025. However, despite the rapid growth in demand, only two Irish-medium post-primary schools operate in the region.

The growth is not limited to post-primary schools. Pupil numbers in special schools have risen from 652 to 4,731 — an increase of more than 600%. At the post-primary level, numbers have climbed from 342 pupils to 2,071.

Maria Thomasson of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta described the sector's growth as "proof of the work of the grassroots movement," while also warning that the country has "become a victim of its own success." She stated that the Department of Education has "underestimated demand" and that existing funding is insufficient.

Parents in Belfast, Fermanagh, Tyrone and south Down are unable to continue their children's education through Irish after primary school. Nadia McVey, a mother from Newry, described the absence of a nearby Irish-medium school for her 10-year-old son as “frustrating.”

Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has introduced a bill that would compel the Department of Education to develop a workforce plan for the Irish-medium post-primary sector. The Department is working on a strategy, but it is not expected to be completed until 2027.