129 Wexford schools to benefit from free schoolbooks as principal admits implementation has been 'challenging'

Almost 33,000 young people in County Wexford will benefit from the Government’s Free Schoolbooks Scheme. Total funding of €5,599,982 has been allocated to schools in Wexford, including €4,159,182 for post-primary schools and €1,440,800 for primary schools. The scheme supports 129 schools this year, with 26 post-primary schools and 103 primary schools. Students at both levels will receive free schoolbooks and core classroom resources. Funding is provided directly to schools, removing the need for parents and guardians to purchase or rent books and essential classroom materials at the start of the school year. A principal reports the scheme has been beneficial while noting concerns about future funding levels.

"The Free Schoolbooks Scheme is making a real difference for families by easing back-to-school costs and ensuring that every child and young person in our schools has the resources they need to learn and succeed. In Wexford, almost 33,000 students will benefit directly from this significant investment."

"By providing funding directly to schools, the Government is removing the cost of books and resources as a barrier to participation in education and supporting greater equity and consistency in classrooms. The Free Schoolbooks Scheme covers schoolbooks and a range of essential classroom resources, removing the need for parents and guardians to purchase or rent these items at the start of the school year."

"It represents a substantial investment by the Department. Schools now provide all students with the textbooks, workbooks and novels etc. they need across all of their subjects."

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