Guidelines for applying for EAL supports for Criteria B (Non-New Entrant pupils) for the 2026/27 school year

A school’s overall EAL profile and current English as an Additional Language (EAL) allocation will be taken into account when considering an application for temporary EAL support. In applying for EAL support, pupils must have specific language needs as a result of English being an additional language.

Schools are advised to refer to Post Primary staffing arrangement circulars for the 2026-27 school year, Circulars 0026/2026, 0027/2026, 0028/2026 and also to consider the following before submitting an application for further EAL support:

1. Permanent language support post(s) in 2026/27:

Alleviation measures in the form of permanent EAL posts were put in place in the 2012/13 school year for schools with a high concentration of Language (EAL) support pupils. These schools will continue to receive this allocation in the 2026/27 school year. This allocation will be taken into account when considering an application for temporary EAL support.

2. Special Education Teaching (SET) allocation:

The Special Education Teaching (SET) allocation provides a unified allocation for special education support teaching needs to each school based on each school’s educational profile and also encompasses an element of Language (EAL) support allocation. Under this SET model, schools are frontloaded with resources to provide support immediately to those pupils who need it without delay.

3. Post Primary Online Database (PPOD) Returns:

Schools can refer to their September 2025 PPOD returns when completing this form. The number of Non-New Entrant pupils entered on the attached forms should insofar as possible be reflected in the school’s September 2025 PPOD returns.

Non-New Entrants pupil definition

Pupils must meet all 4 of the Criteria listed below

1. Have specific language needs as a result of English being an additional language

2. Currently have less than B1 (level 3) proficiency in English

3. Less than 3 school years in the Irish school system by 31 May 2026

4. Enrolled for the 2026/27 school year

A school’s overall EAL profile and current English as an Additional Language (EAL) allocation will be taken into account when considering an application for temporary EAL support. In applying for EAL support, pupils must have specific language needs as a result of English being an additional language.

Schools are advised to refer to Primary staffing arrangement circulars for the 2026-27 school year and also to consider the following before submitting an application for further EAL support:

Permanent language support post(s) in 2026/27:

Alleviation measures in the form of permanent EAL posts were put in place in the 2012/13 school year for schools with a high concentration of Language (EAL) support pupils. These schools will continue to receive this allocation in the 2026/27 school year. This allocation will be taken into account when considering an application for temporary EAL support.

Special Education Teaching (SET) allocation:

The Special Education Teaching (SET) allocation provides a unified allocation for special education support teaching needs to each school based on each school’s educational profile and also encompasses an element of Language (EAL) support allocation. Under this SET model, schools are frontloaded with resources to provide support immediately to those pupils who need it without delay.

Primary Online Database (POD) Returns:

Schools can refer to their September 2024 POD returns when completing this form. The number of Non-New Entrant pupils entered on the attached forms should insofar as possible be reflected in the school’s September 2025 POD returns.

Guidance for Non New-Entrant pupils application:

Where at least 20% of the total enrolment of the school is made up of eligible EAL pupils under Criteria A and/or Criteria B, the school may apply for EAL support for Non New-Entrant pupils (Criteria B). Having considered the circumstances outlined by the school and having regard to the high volume of pupils requiring EAL support, an additional allocation may be approved to meet the educational needs of such pupils.

• The temporary EAL allocation provided based on the information supplied will be sanctioned on a provisional basis, subject to confirmation of the enrolment of all eligible pupils in September 2026.
• Pupils must be recorded in the year in which they are enrolling for the 2026/27 school year.
• Pupils’ PPSN must be confirmed. If Pupils’ PPSN is not known at the time of application, please use the default PPSN provided on the Online form. Schools should submit the confirmed PPSN to allocations@education.gov.ie when schools are completing PPOD returns.

Post Primary Appeals Board

An allocation in respect of EAL support may be provided to schools based on the information supplied in the attached forms. If a school authority is not satisfied with the Department’s decision on its application for EAL support, an appeal may be submitted to the Post Primary Staffing Appeals Board on Form AP EAL 2026/27. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Minister and the Department. The decision of the Appeals Board is final.

Retention of records:

Schools should retain a copy of this application form which may be requested during the course of a school inspection.

Pupils must meet all 4 of the Criteria listed below

1. Have specific language needs as a result of English being an additional language
2. Currently have less than B1 (level 3) proficiency in English
3. Less than 3 school years in the Irish school system by 30 June 2026
4. Enrolled for the 2026/27 school year

• The temporary EAL allocation provided based on the information supplied will be sanctioned on a provisional basis, subject to confirmation of the enrolment of all eligible pupils in September 2026.
• Pupils must be recorded in the class in which they are enrolling for the 2026/27 school year.
• Pupils’ PPSN must be confirmed. If Pupils’ PPSN is not known at the time of application, please use the default PPSN provided on the Online form. Schools should submit the confirmed PPSN to primarystaffingappeals@education.gov.ie when schools are completing POD returns.

Primary Appeals Board

An allocation in respect of EAL support may be provided to schools based on the information supplied in the attached forms. If a school authority is not satisfied with the Department’s decision on its application for EAL support, an appeal may be submitted to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board on Appendix F (d). The Appeals Board operates independently of the Minister and the Department. The decision of the Appeals Board is final.

Retention of records

Schools should retain a copy of this application form which may be requested during the course of a school inspection.