2026-10-09 — Competitions and Education Briefing
Ireland
Safe Routes to School expands to 83 additional schools
The National Transport Authority announced on 8 October that 83 additional schools will join Round 5 of Ireland’s Safe Routes to School programme, bringing active participation to 609 schools. The new intake includes primary and secondary schools in urban and rural areas. Participating schools will work with local authorities and programme officers to identify suitable improvements, such as safer crossings, upgraded footpaths and traffic-calming measures. Nine schools on higher-speed rural roads are included in this round.
Official announcement — National Transport Authority
United Kingdom
New survey finds strong support for practical learning from age 14
England’s Department for Education published findings on 9 October showing that 84% of 500 young people surveyed supported options combining practical technical learning with core academic subjects from age 14. However, 44% said vocational and technical routes were looked down on by their peers, and 37% felt parental pressure to choose academic options from age 16. The findings accompany previously announced plans for Vocational GCSEs and V Levels, with V Levels intended to become available from September 2027.
Official announcement — Department for Education
More than 1,500 primary pupils explore food and farming at Farmwise
Devon County Council reported on 8 October that more than 1,500 primary pupils from over 35 schools attended Farmwise Devon at Westpoint Arena that week. Activities included milling flour, digging potatoes and learning about animal welfare, dairy production and the environment. Farmers and volunteers helped children connect classroom learning with food production. The council also announced a free Farmwise family event at South Devon Food Hub on 28 October, with hands-on activities, tractor tours and food demonstrations.
Official announcement — Devon County Council
United States
Pennsylvania student named winner of the first Raíces national essay contest
An organisers’ announcement published on 8 October named Kelsey McIntyre of The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts as the first Raíces national essay contest winner. The competition invited middle and high school students to explore Hispanic history and culture in their communities and received nearly 400 submissions in English, Spanish or both. McIntyre’s essay explored family memory through food. She was recognised at the Embassy of Spain on 3 October and will receive a summer 2027 trip to Spain alongside her teacher.
Organisers’ announcement — Vista Higher Learning
Virginia announces application dates for 2027 summer enrichment programmes
Virginia’s Department of Education announced on 8 October that applications and handbooks for its 2027 Summer Residential Governor’s Schools and Governor’s World Language Academies will become available online on 14 October. The planned provision includes seven residential schools and five language academies. Residential schools offer intensive academic, arts and mentorship experiences for gifted or advanced high school students. Language options include French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Latin. Final programme availability remains subject to funding approved by the 2027 General Assembly.
Official announcement — Virginia Department of Education
Virginia sets out $26.7 million school improvement grant cycle
In its 8 October education bulletin, Virginia’s Department of Education announced that its School Improvement Grant application cycle would open on 9 October. The cycle will distribute $26.7 million in federal funding, prioritising schools identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement or Additional Targeted Support and Improvement. The department also announced a new optional instructional improvement network for schools with persistent achievement gaps affecting particular student groups, with participation information expected by the end of October.