Ministers McEntee and Moynihan celebrate new Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes at Senior Cycle for students with special educational needs
- Published on: 22 October 2025
- Last updated on: 22 October 2025
Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee T.D, and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan T.D, have today (Wednesday 22 October) welcomed the official celebration of the Senior Cycle Level 1 and 2 Learning Programmes for students with special educational needs.
The introduction of the programmes into schools, the first of their kind at Senior Cycle, in 2024 is a significant milestone for education in Ireland.
The goal of the Senior Cycle programmes is to prepare students for life beyond school. They are personalised programmes that are tailored to the individual learning needs of the student.
The celebration event was attended by some of the schools who have been among the very first to offer Level 1 and Level 2 at Senior Cycle, from across the country.
The event sought to acknowledge those involved in the development of the programmes, which were introduced in 2024. The day also brought together a number of Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 students, along with their teachers, special needs assistants, and school leaders supporting the introduction of these new programmes.
Welcoming the celebration of the programmes, Minister McEntee said:
“I am delighted to welcome the celebration of the Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes, a historic development for Senior Cycle education in Ireland.”
“Last month, I approved a further curriculum area, personal care, and a suite of electives, including visual art which is being highlighted today, as part of Level 1 and Level 2 at Senior Cycle.”
“It is a great privilege as Minister to help ensure students undertaking the learning programmes have access to a diverse and engaging range of modules, tailored to their individual interests, abilities and aspirations.”
“Events like this are vital opportunities to bring together educators and school leaders implementing these programmes across the country and to celebrate the creativity, progress and achievements of the young people participating.
“Today’s launch represents extensive collaboration and dedication by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), working closely with my Department and its agencies. I would like to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to the NCCA, and the NCCA’s Post-Primary Special Educational Needs Subject Development Group members central to the development of the programmes.
Speaking ahead of the celebration event earlier today, Minister Moynihan said:
“As Minister for Special Education and Inclusion, I am delighted to welcome the celebration of the Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes.
“These Learning Programmes have been designed to empower students with additional needs to showcase their own unique talents, skills, and abilities.
“Today’s event further highlights this Government’s commitment to improve supports for students with additional needs. These programmes ensure students with additional needs have more choice about what pathway they want to choose for life after secondary school.
It builds on the significant investment announced in Budget 2026, which includes 860 additional special education teachers and over 1,700 special needs assistants.
“I would like to congratulate the students that will be among the first to undertake these Learning Programmes at Senior Cycle, and wish them well with their studies. I would also like to thank the teachers and special needs assistants who are instrumental in ensuring children and young people are supported in classrooms every day, all around the country. I know that next summer, when Level 1 and Level 2 students at Senior Cycle receive certification from the State Examinations Commission, alongside their peers, there will be immense pride for all involved.”
The event took place at the National Gallery of Ireland, giving students the opportunity to take part in workshops tying into Visual Art, a module now available for students undertaking the learning programmes.
Speaking about the Level 1 and Level 2 Celebration event, Sinéad Rice, Head of Education & Public Programming at the National Gallery of Ireland, said;
“It is a privilege to host this important event at the National Gallery of Ireland, celebrating the development and launch of the new Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes as part of the broader reform of the Senior Cycle. These innovative programmes open inclusive, meaningful pathways for diverse students with additional needs, enabling them to complete a range of core and elective modules—such as the forthcoming Visual Art module—and achieve certification alongside their peers.
This work powerfully aligns with the Gallery’s strategy, A National Gallery for All, which commits us to inclusion, accessibility, and meaningful engagement with diverse audiences. It also reflects our long-standing dedication to arts in education and curriculum development, and reinforces the strong alignment between the Gallery’s work and the priorities of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. Like the NCCA, we believe that ‘learning through the arts significantly contributes to the development of the whole person,’ and it is truly wonderful to see this value embedded in these new programmes.
We are proud to support the Department of Education and Youth on this event, and to develop and deliver student-focused, accessible, and inclusive practical sessions that celebrate the National Collection while reflecting our shared educational values. For many attending, this may be their first visit to the Gallery—we hope it will be the first of many, deepening their connection with art, creativity, and cultural participation.”
Notes for Editors
The introduction of the Senior Cycle Level 1 and 2 Learning Programmes are part of Senior Cycle Redevelopment, an ambitious reform programme guided by the vision of a Senior Cycle that delivers ‘equity and excellence for all’.
The programme is informed by, and builds upon, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment’s (NCCA) Advisory Report on the review of Senior Cycle, as well as the experience of Leaving Certificate students, a growing demand for change and international experience and perspectives.
The Senior Cycle Level 1 and 2 Learning Programmes are follow on programmes for students who are progressing from a Level 1 or 2 Learning Programme at junior cycle. The goal of the senior cycle programmes is to prepare students for life beyond school, enabling them to be lifelong learners and to live more independently. The Level 1 and Level 2 programmes at senior cycle are personalised programmes that are tailored to the individual learning needs of the student.
The introduction of these new programmes are supported by Oide, the support service for teachers and school leaders.
For more information on the L1 and L2 Learning Programmes at Senior Cycle, please visit: curriculumonline.ie.
For more information on Senior Cycle Redevelopment more generally, please visit: gov.ie/seniorcycle
About the National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland (Gailearaí Náisiúnta na hÉireann) houses the national collection of Irish and European art. The event was held at the Gallery to link with the recently published module “Visual Art” as part of the learning programmes.