Blog Contact Padlet Courses Login

Circular 25/2026 - Primary Staffing Schedule & SET Allocation 25/26

Mar 25, 2026

⭐ Key Points for 26/27⭐

  • Mainstream class size staying at 23:1 for the 4th year running. No changes to mainstream staffing schedule (Appendix A).
  • SET reviewed and changes made. Same criteria as last year. No change to model to include complex needs, developing schools or any other controversial parts of the model from 24/25 & 25/26. (Appendix C). School will receive a breakdown of their allocation based on each pillar of the model; enrolment, standardised tests and educational disadvantage.
  • All SET clusters end in June and need to be reformed, even if no changes in allocation. SET cluster form at Appendix D.
  • Where a school gains a mainstream teaching post due to numbers but doesn't have a classroom for them, they can be used as a SET.
  • Significant changes to Main Panel redeployment. Outlined below. Permanent/CID teachers retained via fixed term posts.
  • EAL post applications in a new online system, details shared after Easter
  • No CID forms as part of staffing circular process, now part of re-appointment form.
  • Administrative Deputy Principal threshold reduced to 550 pupils for ordinary schools

⭐ Key Dates⭐

Tuesday 28 April 2026
Schools/teachers must complete the following by 28 April 2026:

  • Submit Main Redeployment Panel Application
  • Submit SET Cluster Form (Appendix D)
  • Submit Appeals for May Appeals Board
  • Notify Panel Operator of vacancies

After 28 April 2026

  • Projected Enrolment Post Applications submitted

Late May 2026

  • Main Redeployment Panels published
  • Schools begin filling vacancies from main panel

After Easter 2026

  • Online EAL application process opens

  • Appeal Board meets in March, June and October.

  • Supply panels will continue, numbers to be confirmed later in year.

Within 5 Working Days

  • Schools must notify Panel Operator of vacancies within 5 working days of becoming known

⭐Redeployment Panel Changes⭐

A permanent/CID holding teacher will now only be considered surplus where neither a permanent nor suitable fixed term position exists in the school. Where a suitable fixed term position is available, the teacher remains in the school with no impact on permanent/CID status and no requirement to complete a Main Panel application or defer panel rights.

In addition, panel clearance requirements have expanded. Vacancies must now be filled in the following order:

a. Permanent vacancies within the panel area
b. Specified purpose and suitable fixed term vacancies for the full school year or sanctioned before the first working day of November

  • For 2026/27, a teacher who takes up a fixed term position from the Main Panel will be considered permanently redeployed to that school where a suitable position continues to exist.
  • The seniority rule remains unchanged, with the most junior eligible teacher first for redeployment, subject to Board of Management/ETB approval in exceptional circumstances.
  • Teachers on maternity leave can apply for Main Panel exemption

⭐DEIS +⭐

Separately, the Department has also announced a new DEIS Plus Scheme for schools with the highest levels of educational disadvantage. 

Key points:

  • Administrative Deputy Principal threshold reduced to 251 pupils. 1-2 release days for deputies in smaller schools. 
  • Administrative Principal for all DEIS Plus schools
  • Full time HSCL allocation for each DEIS Plus school
  • Additional wellbeing and leadership supports including a teaching post for wellbeing
  • Phased rollout beginning Q3 2026

⭐Appendices⭐

Relevant Links:

Categories

All Categories