While Further Education in Northern Ireland has traditionally occupied the sphere between compulsory school education and higher education, delivered by universities (OECD, 2014[ioj), it has also contributed to increasing social inclusion, removing barriers to employment and strengthening the linkages between education and industry' (Department for Employment and Learning, 2016). In terms of higher education, there are also two universities, which are independent private bodies that receive their incomes from a number of sources, including student fees but also public funds. The Department of Education is responsible for curriculum and learning development as well as ensuring the infrastructure of schools across Northern Ireland.