ACCS/Info Bulletin 24/25
24th October 2025.
The Secretary,
Board of Management and
School Principal in
each Community and Comprehensive School.
Members of the Executive of ACCS.
ACCS/Info Bulletin 24/25.
Re: ACCS Briefing for Boards of Management & School Leaders (October 2025). (To be read in conjunction with Info Bulletin 25/2025 Re: 1. SEC 2026 RACE Application Process and Info Bulletin 26/2025 Re: 2. Special Classes and Space Optimisation.)
This bulletin summarises key updates from the October 2025 briefing. Supporting materials, recordings, and related bulletins are linked below.
Recording & Slides:
The full recording of the briefing is available to watch here.
The PowerPoint slides are available for download from here.
Briefing Topics included:
Upcoming Conferences and Events:
ACCS ICT Conference
ACCS ISM Conference: request for school contributions to ISM Retirement Fund.
ACCS 2026 Convention: notice of invitation to nominate candidates for President and submit motions and resolutions by 4/12/25.
HR Updates and Recruitment Processes:
Leadership and Management Post Panels: See updated Guide here
Teacher Appointments and Pay: RPT appointments - 3rd November.
Teaching Council Registration Changes: New regulations re teachers qualified outside Ireland to register and complete induction in Ireland on a time-bound basis (22/10/25 to 31/12/27).
Pay Slip Delivery Disruption: temporary disruption in printed pay slip delivery – note salaries and pensions unaffected.
Garda Vetting Updates: See Garda Vetting section on ACCS Website for resources including FAQ doc.
Senior Cycle Reform and Croke Park Hours:
Cluster Days and Whole School Days: Cluster Days until January 2026. Whole school days running from January to May 2026.
Croke Park Hours and Documentation: 14 hours allocated to non-whole school time must be used for collaborative activities such as subject meetings, with minutes and professional development records maintained.
Union Negotiations and Guidance: Ongoing bilateral talks between unions and the Department. Guidance may change as negotiations progress.
Principals advised to collect forms as required. All staff who have submitted declarations (e.g. TUI members) are entitled to reductions in hours. Principals are encouraged to manage these on a case-by-case basis and seek bespoke solutions as needed.
SEC 2026 RACE Application Process:
Artificial Intelligence Guidance and Assessment Rules:
SEC Coursework and AI Rules: The document will be distributed to schools after midterm.
Department AI Guidance: This Guidance is now available and will be updated to reflect changes in the field.
Special Classes and Space Optimisation:
Furniture, Equipment, and Tendering Procedures:
Equipment Grant Availability: Schools with pending applications advised to follow up immediately.
Special Classes: Reconfiguration of existing spaces.
Schools are advised to contact jtwohig@accs.ie for support when tendering for any building or reconfiguration process.
Governance, Board Training, and Reporting:
Board Reporting and Training:
Email board meeting minutes to patrons and to DEY at SDFinfo@education.gov.ie.
Update and submit end-of-year report to patrons.
Ensure all board members complete mandatory child protection training, with online sessions planned for the coming term.
Complete incident reporting on NIMS.
Executive Vacancies: “non-principal member” (Ulster region)
Reminders and Additional Updates:
ACCS Debating Competition registration now open.
Stand Up Awareness Week (3-7 November).
All-Island School History Competition (2/10/25 – 5/12/25).
Budget and DEY Strategy Documents:
Further Education Pathways and QQI Options:
QQI Pathways Introduction: QQI accreditation at Levels 3 and 4 available. Contact Aisling Kirby (akirby@accs.ie) or Catherine O Sullivan (cosullivan@accs.ie) from the Further Education Support Unit (FESU).
Is mise,
le mór mheas,
Áine O’Sullivan,
GENERAL SECRETARY,
ACCS