Citizenship Education in the UK: Divergence Within a Multi-National State

The recent introduction of Citizenship in England marked an important moment in the history of education in the UK. But to what extent does citizenship education receive equal attention within the four UK Home Nations? And, what are the implications of different approaches to citizenship education? This paper assesses the nature of citizenship education in the four nations of the UK, examining the divergent approaches and attitudes towards citizenship education in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Challenges for the future of citizenship education in the UK are explored, before the paper concludes by arguing that great care is required to ensure parity of provision is upheld across the evolving multinational education system.