2026-11-04 — Competition and Education Briefing

Ireland

Primary School Patronage Decision Deadline Extended to 30 November

Reported — 3 November 2026

Primary schools now have until 30 November to indicate whether they wish to join the first group pursuing changes to patronage, co-educational status or language of instruction following the national primary school survey.

The Department of Education says the extension allows further engagement with families and school communities. The first changes arising from the process are expected from September 2027.

The Irish Times — Extended Deadline for School Changes. The Irish Times

TY Legal Essay Competition Invites Entries on Online Harm

Recent announcement — 2 November 2026 | Deadline: 30 November 2026

The Law Society is inviting Transition Year students in Ireland to enter the Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition.

Students must submit a 1,500-word essay considering whether users or platforms should bear legal responsibility when online trends cause real-world harm. Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony in May 2027. Schools can request an information pack from the organiser.

Law Society — Competition Topic and Entry Information. lawsociety.ie

United Kingdom

Ukrainian GCSE Announced for England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Announced — 4 November 2026

AQA is developing a GCSE in Ukrainian, expected to become available from September 2028, with first assessments in 2029.

The qualification will assess listening, speaking, reading and writing. It will be available to all pupils, with particular relevance to displaced Ukrainian students seeking formal recognition of their language skills. The announced coverage is England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

AQA — Developing GCSE Ukrainian · Sky News — Qualification and Timetable. aqa.org.uk

Fraud-Awareness Lessons Rolled Out for Pupils Aged 10–18

Reported — 4 November 2026 | England

Schools in England are being offered government-funded resources to help pupils recognise scams, money laundering and financial exploitation, including recruitment as “money mules”.

Specialist police officers developed the lessons, which are accredited by the PSHE Association. Schools can use the optional resources within relationships, sex and health education. Guidance for parents will also be issued.

Sky News — Fraud-Awareness Lessons for Schools. Sky News

United States

Midterm Results Shift the Outlook for School Funding and Voucher Oversight

Reported — 4 November 2026

Chalkbeat reports that Democratic victories in Congress and several governors’ races could bring stronger scrutiny of federal education decisions and state private-school voucher programmes.

Its education analysis highlights potential fights over school funding, Education Department oversight and voucher accountability. Election victories do not themselves change existing school policies; implementation will depend on subsequent legislative and executive decisions.

Chalkbeat — What the Midterm Results Mean for Education. Chalkbeat

International Competitions

Leonardo 4 Children Offers November Information Sessions for 2027 Awards

Upcoming webinar — 10 November 2026, 5pm CET | Existing entry window

The Belgium-based Leonardo 4 Children Awards 2027 are accepting entries until 30 April 2027, with an information webinar on 10 November and another on 25 November.

School-age categories include Fables for ages 6–12 and Art & Science for ages 13–18, addressing climate, equality or peace. The organiser’s presentation specifies eligibility for residents of the European Union and additional global regions with partners. This is international participation with geographic conditions, rather than unrestricted worldwide eligibility; applicants outside the EU should confirm their region’s eligibility.

Leonardo 4 Children — Awards and Webinar Details · Official Presentation and Geographic Eligibility. Leonardo 4 Children