Emma O Kelly

Education Correspondent

A report of admission policies found children are being excluded in different ways

Admission policies for special classes 'concerning'

Department of Education inspectors have described as "concerning" the findings of a review of enrolment policies across several schools with special classes, which found that most of them have policies that could prevent children with the greatest levels of need from accessing a place.

Education • 07 May 25

The study found substantial financial barriers faced by Traveller and Roma communities which hinder access to higher education

Study shows barriers faced by Roma and Traveller students

Persistent structural racism and intergenerational trauma stemming from educational discrimination are among the barriers that Traveller and Roma students continue to face in higher education, according to a new study.

Education • 07 May 25

Six new courses will be on offer under the National Tertiary Office scheme this September

750 degree level course places offered outside CAO system

More than 750 places on degree level courses in areas including Occupational Therapy and Nursing are being offered to applicants outside of the CAO points system for this coming September.

Education • 07 May 25

TU Dublin, Trinity College and University of Limerick will offer upskilling courses for teachers

Courses to allow teachers to qualify in new subjects

Second-level teachers will be able to qualify to instruct in three new subject areas through programmes that will be offered in Dublin and Limerick from September.

Education • 02 May 25

The INTO adopted recommendations that will see it campaign for the accelerated divestment of schools from Catholic patronage

8 things we learned from this year's teacher conferences

Teachers have unique access to the country's children and teenagers. That's why when teachers express concern, as they often do at their annual trade union conferences, we should listen. Here's what I picked up this year.

Education • 29 Apr 25

INTO delegates debate role of Catholic Church in schools

Primary school teachers want a school system that is "inclusive, equitable and reflective of the diversity of our pupils", according to INTO General Secretary John Boyle.

Education • 24 Apr 25

Minister for Education Helen McEntee said she wanted to do what she could to support teachers

McEntee wants talks on senior cycle reform done by May

Minister for Education Helen McEntee has said she wants talks between her department and the ASTI and TUI on Accelerated Senior Cycle Re-development completed by the beginning of May.

Education • 22 Apr 25

Helen McEntee addressed the INTO conference in Galway

National convention on education to be set up - McEntee

Minister for Education Helen McEntee has told primary school principals that she will establish a national convention on education "to hear and to understand peoples' thoughts, hopes and aspiration for the education system of the future".

Education • 22 Apr 25

The changes will come into effect for the more than 73,000 students due to sit their Junior Cycle examinations this coming June

Bands for top Junior Cycle grades to be widened

It will be easier for Junior Cycle students to achieve the two top grades in their exams under changes to Junior Cycle grade bands announced by Minister for Education Helen McEntee.

Education • 22 Apr 25

Currently, teachers require two consecutive contracts in order to be considered for a permanent one

Teachers could get permanent post after a year - minister

Newly qualified teachers may become eligible for a permanent contract after just one year in a post, in a new measure announced by the Minister for Education.

Education • 21 Apr 25