Northern Ireland's education system is under review

Professor George Bain made the comments as the government confirmed the full terms of reference for the review.

It will "examine the funding of the education system in the context of falling pupil numbers and the introduction of a revised curriculum".

Sir George said there were a number of issues which needed to be addressed.

"We face a number of challenges in areas of funding, planning and cross-sector collaboration and I want to explore how those challenges might best be addressed," he said.

"I am engaging with those involved directly in managing and delivering education (in Northern Ireland) to help inform the work of the review.

"Working with expert colleagues from the Northern Ireland, Welsh and Scottish education systems, our aim is to produce recommendations which will help deliver real improvements for the education of Northern Ireland's young people."

Resources

Education Minister Maria Eagle said the review was a key element in government plans to "deliver a world class education system for Northern Ireland".

"We need to ensure that our planning of schools is more strategic, taking account of demographic trends and future educational needs," she said.

"We have too many schools in Northern Ireland with resources spread too thinly, impacting directly on teachers and children.

"We need to see greater co-operation and collaboration between school sectors, achieving higher standards, better facilities and a better use of resources.

"This review will examine arrangements which would deliver these benefits."