Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils enrolled in recognised schools are permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no requirement Voluntary contributions can be requested by schools; however, it must be made absolutely clear to parents that there is no requirement to pay, and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own choice, and there is no compulsion to pay.
No charge may be made, in respect of instruction in any subject of the school curriculum or for recreation or other activities where all pupils are expected to take part. However, certain charges may be legitimately requested such as payments in respect of extra-curricular activities, provided such activities are not obligatory and individual pupils can choose whether or not to participate. The charge must reflect the true cost involved.
The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 is an important piece of legislation which has introduced a more parent-friendly, equitable and consistent approach to how school admissions policy operates for the almost 4,000 primary and post-primary schools. Section 64 of the act prohibits the charging of fees or seeking payment or contributions for an application for admission to or for continued enrolment in a school. In instances where the department is made aware of schools' charging fees that are prohibited by section 64, the department will follow up with the school(s) concerned.
My department recognises the importance of physical activity in the educational setting and remains committed to developing this area further.
The Pilot Programme on Physical Activity in Teaching and Learning has been designed to encourage teachers and school leaders, in consultation with their students, to consider how a subject can be taught through physical activity. It aims to provide an opportunity for schools to be innovative and creative in integrating physical activity into the teaching and learning of a subject area. This is in addition to the physical activity experienced by learners during designated physical education lessons
The Physical Activity in Teaching and Learning Pilot Programme ran for the first time in the school year 2024-2025. Funding of €300,000 was provided for the second year of the pilot in school year 2025-2026, with 41 schools being supported. The scheme will run throughout the school year 2025/2026, with the duration of the project determined by each school in their own context, taking into account the curricular area and physical activity they have chosen.
Feedback from schools that have participated in the scheme will be sought by the department to inform the planned evaluation of the two-year pilot project. The evaluation will be completed following the second phase. It is, therefore, not envisaged that the pilot project will be extended beyond this year. Learnings from the evaluation will inform future policy decisions in relation to integrating physical activity into teaching and learning, as well as informing as appropriate the continued design of initiatives within my department's Active School Flag Programme. This Programme is jointly funded by my department and Healthy Ireland and its aim is to get ‘more schools, more active, more often’.
An Active School Flag is awarded to schools that strive to achieve a physically educated and physically active school community. All activities focus on participation, inclusion and fun. The Active School Flag initiative provides schools with a framework to guide, support and incentivise them to work towards achieving a physically educated and physically active school community. The Active School Flag Post-Primary Programme was formally launched on 5 November last, based on a pilot project with 42 secondary schools. An application process for up to 50 new schools opened in December 2025 and work is underway to roll-out the programme to these schools in the 2026-2027 school year.
I understand that for many parents, the start of a new school year can be a financially stressful time - new uniforms, transport costs - all arriving at once. That is why this Government has made affordability a central focus of our education policy.
Since the publication of Circular 32/2017, my department has made it clear that schools should take steps to ensure uniforms are affordable and accessible to all families. These measures aim to make a real difference, but we recognise that more can be done.
I am pleased to confirm that work has commenced on updating this circular, as committed to in Education Plan 2025, and the revised circular will put greater emphasis on reducing costs for parents. A working group has been established and my department is working with the education partners to progress this matter.
The current circular sets out the principles of cost-effective practice to be adopted by schools to reduce the cost of returning to school.
Under these measures, schools should select school uniform items which are generic and can be purchased from a range of retailers. Only "iron on" or "sew on" crests should be used.
Schools should provide parents with a list of all required items and indicate the likely costs of these required items at best value stores. Where an exclusive supply arrangement applies, it should be tendered for regularly.
Schools should also consult with parents as to their views on how to reduce costs.
My department is also progressing the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill, which will strengthen engagement between schools, parents and students, including on issues such as school costs and uniform policies.
The overall aim of the Bill is to improve the level of engagement between the school community by inviting feedback, comment and observation from the school community and by further developing a listening culture in schools.
As Minister for Education and Youth, I want to ensure that all children and young people have the opportunity of access to education that empowers them to thrive and realise their full potential. The free Schoolbooks Scheme will benefit almost one million children and young people enrolled in recognised schools in the Free Education Scheme in 2026. It will help to ease the financial burden facing families at back-to-school time.
These measures are all part of my department’s, and this Government’s, ongoing commitment to reduce financial pressure on families and ensure every student is supported to achieve their full potential.
