Lynne Neagle, Cabinet Secretary for Education
In accordance with the inter-institutional relations agreement, I am writing to inform you of outcome of the sixth UK Education Ministers Council (EMC) meeting, which took place in Cardiff on the 13 November 2025.
As lead Cabinet Secretary for this Interministerial Group, I attended and chaired the meeting on behalf of the Welsh Government.
The meeting was also attended by Paul Givan MLA, Minister of Education for the Northern Ireland Executive, Jenny Gilruth MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills for the Scottish Government, and Baroness Jacqui Smith MP, Minister of State in Dept for Skills for the UK Government.
The discussions centred on the Curriculum, recognising that each Nation is at a different stage of review and reform. This provided a valuable opportunity for participants to share progress to date and exchange best practice.
Ministers also acknowledged the rise in challenges in behaviour in schools since the COVID-19 pandemic and outlined effective approaches being implemented to address this.
The group also considered the role of Artificial Intelligence in education and online safety, with a particular focus on preparing learners for an increasingly AI driven world.
Ministers welcomed the successful collaborative efforts that ensured the safe arrival of Chevening and full scholarship students from Gaza to commence their studies across the UK this autumn. These students are expected to play an important role in rebuilding Gaza in the future. While this matter falls outside the Northern Ireland Education Minister’s departmental responsibilities, it was noted for information.
It was agreed that the Scottish Government would host the next the next meeting. Officials will collaborate with their counterparts to set the theme and agenda.