IPPN

Published: 08 October 2024

As the date of 30 September has now passed, it is in order for schools to complete the Annual Census Return’s process, which is done via the Pupil Online Database (POD) system.

The number of pupils enrolled in the school on 30 September is a critical factor in the determination of grant payments and teacher allocations to schools. To ensure the accuracy of such enrolment figures, it is imperative that a record exists on POD for each pupil enrolled in the school.

The Board of Management of the school should satisfy itself as to the accuracy of the Annual Census Return. When it has done so, the signature sheet should be signed by both the school principal and the chairperson of the Board of Management (or manager(s)) and, in the case of community national schools, by both the school principal and the Chief Executive (or their delegated officer), prior to its submission to the DE. Note that delays in returning the signed form may result in delays of payments to schools.

If your school is on the Primary Online Database (POD), you do not need to complete the form below. The returns for 2024/2025 the will be made through POD.

IMPORTANT: Please note ONLY schools NOT on the Primary Online Database (POD) should complete and return the Census Form for Special Schools not on POD.

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/c7c45-census-national-school-annual-census-return/