Freedom of Information Request
In early June 2025, we submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Department of Education to clarify whether the position of home-educated students had in any way been considered in the Leaving Certificate reform process.
We asked for any reference to or discussion of home schooling, home schoolers, home-educated students, or out-of-school learners in the meetings of
the NCCA Board for Senior Cycle since January 2016,
the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Partners’ Forum since April 2023,
the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Programme Delivery Board since March 2023, and
subject development groups and NCCA meetings since January 2022 about Senior Cycle reform with education stakeholder groups, including representatives of parents and subject experts.
We also asked for any reference to or discussion of homeschooling, home schoolers, home-educated students, or out-of-school learners in correspondence between the Minister for Education and the NCCA or the Board for Senior Cycle since January 2022.
Finally we asked for any reference to or discussion of the Supreme Court decision in Elijah Burke v The Minster for Education and Skills [2022] IESC 1 in any of the aforementioned meetings and correspondence.
On the 2 July 2025, we received a comprehensive response. Upon review of the information obtained on foot of that FOI request, it appears there has been no reference to or discussion of the rights of home-educated students or of the relevance of the Burke v Minister for Education case recorded in the minutes of meetings of the NCCA Board for Senior Cycle, in the minutes of any of the Subject Development Groups, or in communications between the Minister for Education and the Board.
This is a matter of grave concern.
We have asked for an assurance that the thousands of home-educated students across the country can continue to avail of the opportunity to do the Leaving Certificate. At this time, home-educated students in fifth year are selecting their subjects and commencing the Leaving Certificate course.
Guidelines must be provided as to how home-educated students and out-of-school learners will be facilitated to sit these subjects, just like every other Leaving Certificate student. We cannot be ignored or dismissed. The Department of Education and the State Examinations Commission must make clear how it proposes to uphold and respect the rights of home-educated students in its programme for reform.
