Published
The Teaching Council’s Annual Report for 2024/2025, published today, captures a year of significant progress for the Teaching Council. The Council’s work has focused on upholding high standards, ensuring that teaching remains the most trusted profession in Ireland. The report details the Council’s progress between 28 March 2024 and 27 March 2025.
In 2024-2025, the Council underwent a Periodic Critical Review in line with governance requirements. The review reflected that the organisation is a key component of the complex national education system and helps ensure that teaching in Ireland is underpinned by the highest standards of professionalism and quality.
Since its establishment in 2006, when the Register of Teachers stood at 40,202, the profession has seen remarkable growth. This year, the register reached a record 126,867 teachers — an increase of 86,665 since 2006, more than tripling in size over less than two decades. During the reporting period, 7,336 teachers were added to the register, providing a considerable boost to teacher supply.
On the publication of the Annual Report Eamon Dennehy, the Chairperson of the Teaching Council said:
“This report highlights another significant year for the Council in the regulation and promotion of the teaching profession. Teachers in Ireland are trusted professionals, guided by the core values of Respect, Care, Integrity, and Trust. The dedication teachers bring to their role each day is central to the strength of our communities. The Council’s progress across our four strategic goals reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting and regulating the profession in the public interest.”
This year saw a total of 6,523 teachers engaged in Droichead, the Council’s integrated induction framework, which supports newly qualified teachers (NQTs) entering the profession. The Council also approved a temporary measure to allow NQTs employed through Supply Panels and in Principal Release Time Posts to complete Droichead, supporting NQT retention and teacher supply. The Council also concluded the review of the Droichead policy framework in March 2025 and looks forward to the implementation of the revised framework in September 2026.
The Council continued to uphold the high quality of initial teacher education (ITE) in Ireland by concluding the review and accreditation of all 52 programmes of primary and post-primary ITE provided in the State. This milestone ensures that every programme meets the high standards set out in Céim – Standards for Initial Teacher Education, reinforcing confidence in the quality and consistency of initial teacher education provision nationwide.
As part of its efforts to promote teaching as a profession, the Council launched the Féilte Bursary Scheme, awarding €100,000 to 98 schools to support collaborative professional learning. The Council also attended 34 career and recruitment fairs across Ireland and Northern Ireland, providing information on pathways into teaching for prospective applicants.
Again, this year, the Council demonstrated the central role it plays in safeguarding children and vulnerable persons by vetting 25,845 teachers, considering 53 Fitness to Teach complaints, and concluding three inquiries — all of which resulted in removal from the register.
Dr Lynn Ramsey, Director of the Teaching Council noted:
“The past year has been marked by significant milestones in carrying out our role to protect the public by promoting and regulating the teaching profession. We have strengthened our capacity through organisational review, maintained a strong emphasis on financial efficiency and sustainability, and continued to ensure that our processes are fair and transparent.
I am grateful for the professionalism and dedication of Council members, colleagues and stakeholders, whose commitment has been essential in driving our progress. As we look ahead, our focus remains on effective regulation, ensuring that teaching continues to be a profession in which the public can have the highest confidence.”
View a copy of the full Annual Report 2024-2025