School Book Scheme 2026 — free textbooks for all primary pupils and secondary years 1–4
School Book Scheme Ireland 2026
Since 2022, the Irish government has been phasing in free school books for all pupils. By 2026, every primary school child and every secondary student in 1st to 4th year receives free core textbooks through their school — with no application, no means test, and no cost to parents. The school owns the books and reissues them each year.
School Book Scheme — At a glance
- Primary school
- All years — free since Sept 2022
- Secondary school
- 1st–4th year covered by Sept 2026
- Cost to parent
- Free — no means test, no application
- Who applies
- Nobody — school manages everything
- Not covered
- Workbooks, copies, stationery, 5th and 6th year (for now)
Rollout timeline — which years are covered
| School level | Years covered | From when |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Junior Infants through 6th class (all years) | September 2022 |
| Secondary — 1st year | First Year | September 2023 |
| Secondary — 2nd year | Second Year | September 2024 |
| Secondary — 3rd year | Third Year (Junior Cert year) | September 2025 |
| Secondary — 4th year | Fourth Year / Transition Year | September 2026 |
| Secondary — 5th and 6th year | Leaving Cert years | Not yet announced |
What the scheme saves families
Before the scheme, families typically spent €100–€200 per child per year on primary school books, and €200–€450 per child per year on secondary school books. The scheme eliminates these costs for covered years:
Annual saving per child (approximate)
| School level/year | Previous typical book cost | Cost under scheme | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary (any year) | €100–€200 | €0 | €100–€200 |
| Secondary 1st year | €250–€350 | €0 | €250–€350 |
| Secondary 2nd year | €200–€300 | €0 | €200–€300 |
| Secondary 3rd year (Junior Cert) | €200–€350 | €0 | €200–€350 |
| Secondary 5th/6th year (Leaving Cert) | €250–€450 | Not yet free | — |
A family with two children — one in primary and one in 2nd year secondary — saves approximately €300–€500 compared to pre-2022 costs.
What is not included
- Workbooks: consumable books that students write in are generally still purchased by families (schools manage their own policies)
- Copies, folders, and stationery: not covered by the scheme
- Art supplies, maths sets, calculators: still purchased by parents in most schools
- 5th and 6th year (Leaving Cert) textbooks: not yet included in the scheme as of 2026
- School uniforms: separate — the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance helps with these for qualifying families
How the scheme works in practice
- Department funds the school
The Department of Education provides each school with a capitation grant specifically for purchasing textbooks. The school uses this to build and maintain a shared book stock.
- School purchases and manages books
The school orders books from publishers or suppliers. The school owns the books — not individual students. Schools typically cover books with protective film or book covers to extend their life.
- Books issued to pupils each September
At the start of the school year, books are distributed to each student. No signing up or application is required from parents.
- Books returned at end of year
Students return all books in good condition at the end of the school year. The school inspects, repairs, and reissues them the following year. Damaged or lost books may incur a replacement charge.
Frequently asked questions
Do children who are new to Ireland also get free books?
Yes. The School Book Scheme applies to all pupils enrolled in recognised primary and post-primary schools in Ireland, regardless of nationality. Newly arrived children who enrol mid-year can also access books through the school's stock, though availability may vary if books were issued at the start of the year.
What if my child damages or loses a book?
If a book is damaged beyond normal wear, or lost, the school may charge the parent for replacement. Schools typically communicate their book care policies at the start of the year. Covering books with contact paper (provided or sold by many schools) helps protect them.
Are DEIS school students affected differently?
DEIS schools (schools in disadvantaged areas) were already receiving additional book funding before the national scheme. These schools are now also part of the national School Book Scheme, so all pupils benefit in the same way regardless of whether their school is DEIS-designated or not.
Can the school charge any other fees alongside the book scheme?
Schools cannot charge fees for the ECCE scheme books. However, they can still charge for school trips, extracurricular activities, lunch clubs, and other voluntary contributions. The "voluntary" nature of these contributions means they cannot be a condition of school entry or book access.
What about students with visual impairment or dyslexia — do they get adapted materials?
Students with specific learning needs may require alternative formats (e.g., large print, digital, audio). Schools work with the NCSE (National Council for Special Education) and publishers to source adapted materials. Contact your child's school SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) for details.
- The scheme covers textbooks only — workbooks, copies, stationery, and uniforms are still purchased by parents.
- No application is needed — books are issued by the school. Parents do not claim or register for this scheme.
- Secondary school 5th and 6th year (Leaving Cert) are not yet covered — only years 1 to 4 as of 2026.
- The scheme does not replace the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance — that separate payment (€160–€285) still exists for qualifying families.
- Books belong to the school, not the student — they must be returned at year end in good condition.
Related guides
This page was reviewed against official Department of Education guidance and updated to reflect the 2026 School Book Scheme coverage, including the September 2026 extension to 4th year secondary.