Education in Northern Ireland is managed by the Department of Education, which oversees schools and educational policies. The system includes primary, secondary, and further education, with a mix of state-funded and independent schools. Students typically start primary school at age four and move to secondary school at eleven. The curriculum in Northern Ireland is designed to provide a broad education, including subjects like English, Math, and Science. Students take the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams at age sixteen, which are crucial for further education or vocational training.