ALMOST two out of every three schools in the north are failing to offer their pupils enough choice at GCSE and A-level.
Dozens of post-primary schools are struggling to meet the demands of the `entitlement framework'.
They have been working towards targets for years but now it appears that they could be dropped by the minister.
Peter Weir said budgetary constraints were creating significant challenges for schools and he was considering a policy review.
All post-primary schools must, by law, offer access to 27 subjects at A-level - but some small schools are falling way short by offering just six.
The entitlement framework was designed to ensure every child, regardless of background or school, could access the same curriculum.
Since 2013, all post-primary schools have been gradually increasing the number of subjects.
From the start of the 2015/16, they have been required to make available at least 24 courses at GCSE and 27 at A-level. One third of these must be academic and one third vocational.
While it is a legislative requirement, the Department of Education has not imposed any sanctions against schools failing to meet the targets.
A total of 119 of 202 post-primary providers are not offering the full range. They include some leading grammar schools.
The detail was revealed by Mr Weir in response to an assembly question by Barry McElduff of Sinn Féin.
Mr Weir said the entitlement framework was a key component of the statutory curriculum.
"It ensures that all learners, in KS4 and post-16, have access to a broad and balanced range of economically relevant and individually engaging courses. Whilst I am keen to retain and build on the benefits accrued thus far, I appreciate that budgetary constraints are creating significant challenges for schools trying to meet these requirements in full," he said.
"In light of this I will be giving consideration to the EF policy over the coming months including the statutory requirements."
Mr McElduff, chairman of the assembly education committee, said he was concerned.
"If it is an issue of resource then the minister needs to address that rather than throw the baby out with the bathwater," Mr McElduff said.
"I would like to see the minister and his department, rather than seek to reduce the objective, go back to the drawing board and intensify efforts of helping schools achieve these targets."
