Ireland Updated Post-Primary Schoolbooks Scheme Guidance for 2026/27 (Ireland, June 2026)
Ireland updated the Post-primary Schoolbooks Scheme page and 2026/2027 guidance for post-primary schools. The scheme removes the cost to families of schoolbooks, including eBooks, and core classroom resources for students in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme.
Ireland updated the Post-primary Schoolbooks Scheme page and 2026/2027 guidance for post-primary schools. The scheme removes the cost to families of schoolbooks, including eBooks, and core classroom resources for students in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme.
What Changed?
The Department published 2026/2027 guidance, an updated quick reference guide, parent information, financial templates, procurement information and an SME test report for the post-primary schoolbooks scheme.
Old System vs New System
Post-primary schools used previous-year guidance, with the scheme having been extended to Senior Cycle for the 2025/26 school year.
Post-primary schools have updated guidance for 2026/2027, including implementation expectations, parent communication, financial reporting and procurement arrangements such as use of the Dynamic Purchasing System for relevant voluntary secondary and community/comprehensive schools.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students continue to access schoolbooks and core classroom resources through school-managed provision, reducing direct textbook costs for families.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents should receive school-level communication explaining what the scheme covers and what additional resources, if any, are outside the scheme.
School / Institution Impact
Schools must follow updated guidance, manage procurement and financial reporting, and use the appropriate purchasing routes where contract thresholds apply.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers and subject departments need to plan book and resource choices within the scope of the scheme and the school procurement timetable.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-03: post-primary guidance page last updated
- 2026/2027 school year: updated guidance applies.
What To Do
- Post-primary schools should review the 2026/2027 guidance
- update procurement plans
- prepare the income and expenditure return tracker and communicate scheme coverage to parents.
What To Watch Next
Watch for further procurement guidance, DPS implementation supports and any funding or reporting updates during the 2026/2027 school year.
Global Context
The update is relevant internationally because many education systems are shifting from family-funded textbooks toward state-supported or school-managed learning resource models.
Source Record
Source type: Guidance
Source name: Department of Education and Youth - Post-primary Schoolbooks Scheme