Registration remains open for the 2025/26 Blue Star Programme, with primary schools encouraged to register for the EU educational programme before the deadline of October 10th.
Launched this week with pupils from 6th class in St. Patrick’s National School, Stamullen, Co. Meath, at Government Buildings, the award-winning education programme introduces primary school pupils to the European Union and promotes a greater understanding of European democracy, languages and cultures.
Pupils participating in the 15th year of the programme this year, will also learn about Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026.
The Blue Star Programme has four core elements which includes European history, geography, culture and creativity and lessons on the EU institutions. The programme also places a strong emphasis on celebrating the rich cultural diversity in Irish classrooms today.
Last year saw a record 350 schools participate, and it is expected that numbers enrolling on the Programme will significantly increase for the academic year ahead.
Launched by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD and Minister for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, schools were encouraged to participate.
“As Ireland prepares to assume it’s EU Presidency next year, there has never been a more exciting time for teachers and pupils to participate in the programme,” An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD said at the launch. “I encourage teachers across Ireland to register, and I’d like to commend all of them for their dedication and commitment to the Blue Star Programme to date.”
Open to all primary school ages, from junior infants to sixth class, the programme is suitable for all school settings, from Gaelscoileanna, to DEIS schools and island schools. Gaelscoileanna can also avail of the Programme through the Irish language with Clár na Réalta Goirme. To date, over 1,300 schools and an estimated 220,000 pupils have participated in the programme.
European Movement Ireland are the National Implementation Body of the Blue Star Programme, and it is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Further information about is available at bluestarprogramme.ie and Clár na Réalta Goirm. Registration, which opened on Monday, 18 August, will run until Friday, 10 October.
