2026-10-18 — Competitions and Education Briefing
Ireland
Pay negotiations covering teachers set to begin on 19 October
Formal public-service pay negotiations are scheduled to begin at the Workplace Relations Commission on Monday 19 October, following agreement on a negotiating framework on 17 October. The development follows the suspension of the second strike day involving teachers and other public servants. Discussions will begin with pay-related matters, including unions’ claims concerning living costs and commitments under the previous agreement. The framework establishes a route into substantive negotiations; it is not an agreed pay settlement. Government statement · Corroborating report
United Kingdom
New research examines how schools build pupils’ sense of belonging
Research published by the Department for Education on 16 October examines practices in 16 mainstream schools in England, comprising eight primary and eight secondary schools. The case studies highlight trusting relationships, meaningful pupil participation, recognition of individual needs and action against discrimination. Participants described belonging, attendance and academic engagement as closely connected. The findings draw on selected schools’ experiences rather than a controlled evaluation demonstrating causal effects, and are intended to inform future guidance. Read the official research summary
Liverpool opens competition to name school road-safety characters
Liverpool City Council announced a naming competition on 16 October for four new characters that will appear in school road-safety resources. Children aged 4–16 living in or around Liverpool can suggest a name for one character or all four, accompanied by a short explanation. Entry forms are available through schools, local libraries or the council’s road-safety team. Entries close on Wednesday 4 November 2026, with a prize-giving event scheduled for 30 November at Liverpool Town Hall. Official announcement and entry information
United States
California announces first $3.77 billion school-support grant allocation
The California Department of Education issued its first allocation under the 2026–27 Student Support and Professional Development Discretionary Block Grant on 16 October. The approximately $3.77 billion payment represents 75% of recipients’ allocations, calculated using reported attendance from transitional kindergarten through grade 12. Eligible uses include teacher professional development, recruitment and retention, career pathways, community-school partnerships and school maintenance. Funding goes to county education offices, school districts, charter schools and state special schools; payment warrants are expected approximately three weeks after the announcement. Read the official allocation letter
International School Competitions
Vietnam wins four medals at Al-Fergani International Physics Olympiad
Vietnam’s education ministry announced on 17 October that all four members of its team won medals at the second Al-Fergani International Physics Olympiad: one gold, two silver and one bronze. Held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 10–17 October, the competition attracted 107 contestants from 15 countries and territories. Vietnam placed fourth behind Russia, China and Uzbekistan. Its delegation was selected from pupils who were in Grade 11 during 2025–26 and had taken the ministry’s International Physics Olympiad selection examination, rather than through direct individual entry. Official results announcement