Primary schools to benefit from additional capitation funding from September
Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee has today (24 June) confirmed that primary schools in the Free Education Scheme will receive an increased capitation rate over the coming days.
Education measures announced in Budget 2025 included a significant increase in school funding with State funding per pupil for day-to day running expenses – known as the capitation rate – increasing from €200 to €224 per student for the standard rate in primary schools. Further enhanced rates apply for students with additional needs.
The new standard rate of grant for the 2025/2026 school year is €224 per mainstream pupil with effect from 1 September 2025. The capitation payment issuing to primary schools in the coming days will take into account the increase in the rate from September to December.
From: Department of Education and Youth, Published: 24th June 2025