2026-10-30 — Competition and Education Briefing

Ireland

Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition: Video Deadline Tomorrow

Deadline reminder — 31 October 2026

The 2026/27 entry form requires teams to upload a video introducing their group and research project idea by 31 October. After registration, the first entrant receives the upload link and guidance materials by email.

Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition — Entry Form form.jotform.com

EU and Me Competition Remains Open to Primary and Post-Primary Students

Open for entries — Deadline: 27 November 2026

Students across Ireland can work in groups of four or more to investigate a local issue, explore its relationship with the EU, and propose an action plan. Shortlisted entrants will be invited to present their plans to EU policymakers in Dublin.

The competition opened on 21 September and accepts entries from primary and post-primary aged students.

EU and Me Competition — Official Information api.ireland.ie

United Kingdom

The following updates concern England; they should not be assumed to apply across the whole UK.

Government Allocates £5.8 Billion to Council SEND Deficits

Reported: 29 October 2026

According to Tes, 129 councils have received grants to clear 90% of their special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) deficits. Councils remain concerned about continuing overspending and the need for a sustainable long-term funding arrangement.

Tes — Government Spends £5.8bn on Council SEND Deficits. www.tes.com

Budget Analysis Highlights Continued Pressure on School Funding

Reported: 28 October 2026

Tes reports that mainstream school spending is projected to fall in real terms following the Budget. Additional funding was announced for PE and books for young children, while schools continue to face pressure on their wider operating budgets.

Tes — Budget 2026: Everything Schools Need to Know. www.tes.com

Trial of Stricter School Food Standards Sees Lower Meal Uptake

Reported: 29 October 2026

Department for Education research found that school meal uptake fell during a trial of tighter food standards, with some pupils skipping lunch altogether. The findings highlight the challenge of improving nutritional standards while maintaining pupils’ willingness to eat school meals.

Tes — Fewer Pupils Have School Meals Under Food Standards Trial. www.tes.com

United States

Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge Announces 2026 Winners

Results announced: 27 October 2026

The competition has announced its 2026 winners, awarding more than $100,000 in prizes.

Thermo Fisher JIC serves US students in Grades 6–8. Students must first compete at a Society for Science-affiliated science fair and earn a nomination; entry to the national competition is not through unrestricted direct registration.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge — Official Results and Information. www.societyforscience.org

Bright Spark Fall Invention Challenge: Videos Due Today

Deadline reminder — 30 October 2026

This free, virtual challenge invites students in Grades 4–12 to reimagine outdoor spaces at their schools. Students can participate individually or in teams, develop a prototype, and present their idea in a 90-second video.

A parent or guardian form must be on file before submission. The reviewed page does not specify the deadline’s time zone or complete geographic eligibility restrictions.

Bright Spark Fall Invention Challenge — Official Information. www.bridgeinnovate.com

International Competitions

Competitions organised outside Ireland, the UK and the US. Geographic eligibility and local entry arrangements vary.

France: Registration Open for the 2027 IMAJ International Visual Arts Competition

Open for entries — Submission deadline: 1 January 2027

The competition is free and open worldwide to participants aged 3–25, with separate age categories covering primary and secondary school students.

The 2027 theme is “Celebrating Joy, Building Connections: The Party Shapes the Rhythm of Our Lives.” Entrants must register online and post their physical artwork. Submitted works are retained by the organiser and will not be returned.

IMAJ International Visual Arts Competition — Official Rules and Registration. www.centre-unesco-troyes.org

Japan: Pentel International Children’s Art Exhibition US Entry Deadline Tomorrow

Local submission reminder — US receipt deadline: 31 October 2026

The Japan-founded international competition accepts paintings, drawings and collages from children aged 3–15.

Pentel’s US website states that submissions through its channel must arrive by 31 October. This is a US submission deadline, not a verified worldwide deadline. Entrants elsewhere should check their local Pentel entry arrangements.

Pentel International Children’s Art Exhibition — US Entry Information. www.pentel.com

Japan/Asia: Mitsubishi Asian Children’s Enikki Festa Opens a New Entry Cycle

Announcement: 21 October 2026 — Regional international eligibility

The 2026–2027 festival brings together children from 24 Asian countries and regions. Participants aged 6–12 create three hand-drawn illustrated diary pages combining pictures and short written accounts of everyday life.

Kazakhstan’s announced application window runs from 20 October to 20 December 2026. These dates apply to that national channel. The festival is a regional international competition, rather than an opportunity open to students in every country.

Mitsubishi Asian Children’s Enikki Festa — Kazakhstan Official Announcement. unescoclubs.kz