UK Education Ministers Council communiqué: 13 November 2025
Published 18 December 2025
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The UK Education Ministers Council (UKEMC) met for the sixth time on 13 November at Fitzalan High School, Cardiff.
Attendees
The meeting was chaired by Lynne Neagle MS, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Welsh Government.
Cabinet Secretary Neagle was joined by:
- Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills from the UK Government
- Jenny Gilruth MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills from the Scottish Government
- Paul Givan MLA, Minister of Education from the Northern Ireland Executive
What was discussed
The Chair opened proceedings by welcoming attendees to the sixth UK Education Ministers Council meeting.
The substantive theme for discussions focussed on the curriculum, acknowledging that each nation is at a different stage of curriculum review or reform. This provided an opportunity for all present to share learning to date and best practice.
Recognising that since the COVID-19 pandemic, misbehaviour has been an increasing problem in schools, each nation provided an update on effective practice for addressing this challenge.
The group also discussed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools, particularly around preparing learners for an increasingly AI-driven world.
Ministers noted the successful joint working to ensure the safe arrival of Chevening scholars and full-scholarship students from Gaza to begin their studies across the UK this autumn, and these students’ potential role in rebuilding Gaza in the future.
This matter sits outside the Northern Ireland Education Minister’s departmental responsibilities, but was noted for information.
It was agreed the Scottish Government will host the next meeting of the UKEMC.
Officials will work together to identify a suitable date and agenda items.