Ireland’s primary management bodies have joined with Forsa, who represent ancillary school staff, to jointly call on Government to increase the primary school capitation rate by a minimum of €50 per pupil in Budget 2027, bringing the rate from €274 to at least €324.
Educate Together, An Foras Pátrúnachta, Church of Ireland Board of Education, CPSMA, Education and Training Boards Ireland, Fórsa, Irish Primary Principals’ Network, Muslim Primary Board of Education and NABMSE are making this joint call as primary schools continue to face significant increases in the cost of running their schools, including energy, insurance, cleaning, maintenance, ICT, teaching and learning materials and other essential services.
Analysis by independent consultants Verecon found that 71% of primary schools in Ireland ran a deficit last year, with the average school recording a capitation-related deficit of €8,288. The analysis also found that 40% of schools relied on voluntary contributions from parents to help meet their running costs.
These figures demonstrate the growing gap between the funding provided to schools and the actual cost of providing education. Schools should not have to rely on parental contributions and fundraising to meet essential day-to-day costs.
The primary management bodies are calling for the €50 increase in capitation to at least €324 per pupil to be delivered in Budget 2027. They are also calling for the primary capitation grant and ancillary services grant to be linked to inflation, ensuring that school funding keeps pace with rising costs in future years.
Educate Together CEO Emer Nowlan said:
“An additional €50 per pupil is the bare minimum that primary schools need to pay their bills. All schools are underfunded, but primary schools are really struggling to make ends meet. It makes no sense that primary grants are less than those for second-level schools, when the cost of utilities, cleaning, accounting, and other necessary services are the same no matter how old your students are.”
In a joint letter sent this week to Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton TD, the primary management bodies highlight the need for a sustainable approach to school funding and for the State to ensure that primary schools have the resources required to provide a properly supported education for every child.
Increased and sustainable capitation funding would reduce the pressure on school communities and parents, while providing greater financial stability for schools across the country.