2026-10-17 — Competitions and Education Briefing

Ireland

INTO suspends 21 October strike but retains other industrial action

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation announced on 16 October that it had suspended the strike planned for Wednesday 21 October in the Republic of Ireland. Its industrial action that began on 5 October remains in place, including non-cooperation with Croke Park Hours and attendance restrictions on staff meetings and formal parent–teacher meetings outside school hours. The decision follows the appointment of Kevin Foley to help establish a basis for formal public-service pay negotiations. Official union update

United Kingdom

Ofsted updates analysis of school context and achievement grades

Ofsted published updated analysis on 16 October examining how inspections in England account for schools’ circumstances. Among schools graded “strong standard” or “exceptional” for achievement in 2025/26, 73% of primaries and 58% of secondaries exceeded their similar-school attainment averages. The analysis also considers the comparator measure introduced into inspections in September 2026. Ofsted stresses that this information supplements classroom evidence and pupils’ work; the schools inspected during a single year are not representative of all schools nationally. Official analysis

Essex announces storytelling competition for children aged 5–11

Essex County Council announced a new Gruffalo-inspired storytelling competition on 16 October, with entries opening on 24 October. Children aged 5–7 and 8–11 compete in separate categories, submitting an original story of up to 500 words. Entrants must be UK residents, and AI-generated entries are prohibited. Written stories are accepted; audio or video submissions must also include a written version. Entry is free, the deadline is 23:59 GMT on 3 January 2027, and winners will be announced in March. Official announcement · Entry instructions and rules

United States

Appeals court revives Virginia school boards’ Title IX challenge

In a decision issued on 15 October, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2–1 to revive lawsuits brought by the Fairfax and Arlington school boards against the U.S. Department of Education. The cases concern federal enforcement over policies allowing transgender students to use facilities consistent with their gender identity, including restrictions placing federal grant payments on a reimbursement basis. The court returned the cases to the federal district court for further proceedings. This was a jurisdictional ruling, not a decision on whether the school policies violate Title IX. Official court opinion