The Department of Education and Youth is inviting
children and young people (aged 8-24 years), parents and guardians and school employees and early years educators to take part in the Convention on Education.
The Convention will take place in 2026 and will provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity for key stakeholders (children, young people, parents/guardians, school employees and early years educators) to help shape Ireland’s school system for decades to come and set out a shared vision for the future of education.
The Convention will comprise 150 people across 4 groups:
- Children and young people (30 people aged 8-24 years)
- Parents and guardians (30 people)
- School employees and early years educators (30 people)
- Education stakeholders (60 people)
The Convention will be chaired by Professor Anne Looney and will meet 4 times over weekends in 2026 to discuss key issues about the future of education:
- 21-22 March 2026
- 9-10 May 2026
- 26-27 September 2026
- 14-15 November 2026
What are the requirements if chosen to participate?
If chosen, you will be required to attend workshops and focus group events over Saturday and Sunday on 4 weekends in March, May, September & November 2026. Accommodation and catering will be provided, as required, as well as travel expenses. (If a participant is aged 8-17 they will need a parent/guardian to complete the EOI on their behalf and to accompany them to the weekend meetings.)
How to apply?
Children and young people (aged 8-24), parents/guardians, school employees and early years educators can apply at www.gov.ie/educationconvention between Thursday 11 December 2025 and Friday 16 January 2026.
