Ireland’s primary schools are set for their biggest curriculum reform in over 25 years, with a new framework being rolled out from 2026 across all primary and special schools. The redeveloped programme introduces earlier lessons on puberty, recognition of different sexual orientations, a stronger focus on STEM, and the introduction of modern foreign languages for senior classes.
Key Changes
For the first time, children in 5th and 6th class will learn about different sexual orientations, including homosexuality and bisexuality. The updated Wellbeing specification states that pupils will begin to understand sexual orientation as “attraction to someone of a different gender, the same gender or more than one gender.”The curriculum does not reference gender identity but does include major changes to how children learn about puberty. Currently taught in 6th class, it will now be introduced as early as 3rd class, reflecting the fact that many pupils experience puberty before reaching the final years of primary school.
Children will also begin learning a modern foreign language in 5th class. The emphasis will be on cultural awareness and basic skills such as greetings or ordering food, with a plurilingual approach that builds on Irish and English.
STEM subjects have been brought together for the first time, encouraging pupils to investigate real-world problems with a strong emphasis on digital skills and computational thinking.
Meanwhile, Arts Education will expand to include dance and digital art, while Social and Environmental Education will, for the first time, introduce all pupils to world religions from a historical and geographical perspective, regardless of school ethos.
Consultation and Research
The new framework is the product of eight years of research, with contributions from educators, parents, organisations, and over 4,000 children. Many pupils reported that they were only learning about puberty after they had already gone through it — a concern that directly shaped the reforms.The programme divides learning into five main areas:
- Arts Education
- Language (including Modern Foreign Languages)
- Social and Environmental Education
- STEM Education
- Wellbeing (including PE and SPHE)
Wellbeing and Consent
A major shift sees the time allocated to PE and SPHE doubled. PE will now emphasise fundamental movement skills such as running, catching, and skipping.
The curriculum also places new focus on the concept of consent. While not taught in a sexual context, children will learn about the right to say “no,” to change their minds, and to respect boundaries — introducing the idea as a life skill rather than solely within relationships.
Government Perspective
Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee described the reforms as the most comprehensive transformation of primary education in a generation.
"Our goal is to ensure every child in Ireland receives an education that is inclusive, empowering, and deeply relevant to their lives," she said. "This curriculum is about nurturing their talents, supporting their wellbeing, and preparing them to thrive as active citizens in a fast-changing world."
She highlighted increased flexibility for schools, allowing them to tailor time for subjects based on ethos — whether Catholic, Protestant, Educate Together, or community schools.
The Minister also addressed pushback and “misinformation” surrounding the changes, stressing that the new content is age-appropriate. "Sex education has always been part of the curriculum," she said. "What’s new is ensuring children understand respect, consent, and basic attraction in a way that reflects the world they’re growing up in."
Preparing for the Future
McEntee pointed to examples of young pupils already engaging in coding and problem-solving activities, saying the new focus on digital literacy would build on this."This is about making sure learning is fun, relevant, and integrated," she added. "We already have some of the best reading outcomes in the world and outstanding teachers — this curriculum builds on that while adapting to the modern world."
The redeveloped curriculum will be introduced on a phased basis starting in 2026, marking the first major change since 1999.
Online commentators have raised concerns that the revised curriculum exposes children to sex education earlier than is appropriate.