2026-11-01 — Competition and Education Briefing

Ireland

No significant new primary or secondary education announcement or competition development was verified since the previous briefing. Unchanged announcements and previously reported deadlines are omitted.

United Kingdom

Work Experience Guidance to Be Clarified After Safeguarding Confusion

Recent report — 29 October 2026 | England

The Department for Education plans to clarify safeguarding guidance after schools and employers raised uncertainty about DBS checks for staff supervising under-16 work placements.

Schools and placement providers warn that uncertainty could discourage employers from offering opportunities. The DfE says it will work with the sector to explain the requirements; the report does not establish that every placement requires a DBS check.

Schools Week — DfE to Clarify Work Experience Guidance. schoolsweek.co.uk

United States

School Funding and Education Policy Feature Prominently Ahead of Election Day

Published — 31 October 2026 | Election: 3 November 2026

Education Week’s latest election analysis highlights decisions affecting school funding, private-school choice programmes and federal education oversight.

Its review identifies at least 18 tax and funding questions across 12 states that could affect major K–12 revenue sources. These are proposals awaiting voters’ decisions, rather than enacted changes. Outcomes could shape school budgets and education policy beyond the election.

Education Week — The Major K–12 Questions This Election Day. edweek.org

International Competitions

Junior Astronomy Olympiad Programme Begins in Thailand

Event begins — 1 November 2026 | Thailand | International country teams

The 5th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-jr) runs in Ubon Ratchathani from 1–8 November, with its opening ceremony scheduled for 2 November.

Participation is through country teams, rather than unrestricted individual registration. The detailed regulations specify that 2026 contestants must have been born on or after 1 July 2010 and be due to complete high school in 2029 or later; both conditions apply. Main registration closed on 30 June 2026.

The competition combines theoretical astronomy and astrophysics with sky observation. This is an event update, not a current application opportunity.

IOAA-jr 2026 — Official Dates and Programme · Official Eligibility Regulations. Thailand