New Primary Curriculum 2025 onwards
We are pleased to share some exciting developments in Irish primary education. Beginning September 2025, a new Primary Curriculum Framework will be introduced in all schools across Ireland.
This new curriculum is designed to provide children with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive in a changing world, while also placing a greater emphasis on creativity, wellbeing, and inclusion.
What Will the New Curriculum Include?
The new Primary Curriculum is organised into five broad curriculum areas:
Language
- Development of literacy through reading, writing, oral language, and comprehension
- Irish language taught with more flexibility to support different learner needs
- Optional modern foreign language exposure for senior classes
Social & Environmental Education (SEE)
- Helps children understand the world, their communities, and the environment
- Focus on sustainability, human rights, and responsible citizenship
- Encourages critical thinking through inquiry and local/global perspectives
Wellbeing
- Supports children’s emotional, physical, and social development
- Promotes resilience, empathy, and healthy lifestyle habits
- Includes updated, age-appropriate RSE aligned with best practice and parental input
Arts Education
- Emphasises cultural awareness and enjoyment ofartistic experiences
- Fosters creativity, imagination, and personal expression
- Builds confidence through performing and responding to the arts
Mathematics, Science & Technology Education (MSTE)
- Strong numeracy and problem-solving focus
- Emphasis on scientific thinking, coding, and technology
- More hands-on investigations and real-life applications
Additional Information
- Religious Education will continue based on the ethos and patronage of each school
- Greater flexibility for schools to tailor learning to pupils’ needs and local context
- Stronger focus on inclusive and child-centred learning experiences
How You Can Support at Home
Talk to your child about their learning each day
Explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of our world through geography.
Support wellbeing through active play and emotional check-ins
Attend curriculum information sessions and stay connected with your child’s teacher
Rollout Timeline & School Closures
To support the smooth rollout of the new curriculum, the Department of Education has approved additional training and planning days for schools:
Curriculum rollout begins:
September 2025
Additional school closures for staff training (2025/26 school year):
2 full days of in-school professional development
These days will be school closure days for pupils
Dates will be confirmed and communicated in advance
These training days will help teachers become familiar withthe new content, approaches, and assessment methods to ensure a successfultransition for all learners.
