E-sceal 531- Admissions to Schools, Education Act, Sections Commencement
- Published: 04 October 2018
As of yesterday, a number of sections of the Education Act 2018 have come into operation:
- Catholic schools are not allowed to prioritise catholic applicants over non catholic applicants. The so called 'Baptism Barrier' can no longer exist. This requirement also applies to waiting lists
- Schools may be compelled by the NCSE to open special classes (Effective December 3rd 2018)
- School fees as a condition of enrolment are banned
- Schools may be required to co-operate with each other in relation to enrolment.
What should you do?
The DES advice is that the admission policy should operate as usual, minus the religion requirement in Catholic schools, as of yesterday 3 October 3 2018
Be aware that a ministerial commencement order does not operate retrospectively
Refer to advice from management, patron bodies and the INTO which will be issued shortly.
