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SET Review

What is a SET Review?

If a school is clearly unable to meet the needs of the full group of children and young people, a SET review can take place to review the special education teaching (SET) allocation for that school.   

This process is used when unique circumstances may present in a school which could require an urgent review. These circumstances must have had a significant impact on the school.   

On this page, we outline: 
– The key dates
– The application process
– How schools can apply for a SET review

Key Dates

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Monday 13th April 2026 Friday 01st May 2026
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SET Review

How to request a review of your SET allocation

Your school should have received its updated SET Allocations for 2026/27 by email from the NCSE.

If there are unique circumstances in your school that mean this allocation may be insufficient, you can apply for a SET Allocation Review.

You can apply through the NCSE School Portal from Monday 13th April 2026 to Friday 01st May 2026.

Please read the relevant circulars and the NCSE SET Review Guidelines before applying for a review (links below).

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SET Review

SET Review Guidelines

This section provides school leaders with essential information to support the SET Review process.  
 
It includes the latest NCSE SET Review Guidelines. They outline:
– Reasons why a school can apply  
– The review process in detail
– What you are expected to do to facilitate the review 

Please also see the relevant Department of Education and Youth circulars. They provide policy context and information on how the educational profile for each school is worked out. 

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SET Review

Department of Education & Youth Circulars

View the circulars that inform the SET Review process.

SET Review

Application Forms

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SET Review

Application Form for Primary Schools

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SET REVIEW

Application Form for Post-Primary Schools

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NCSE School Portal

Submit your SET Review application

Submit your application for a SET Review through the NCSE School Portal.
Note: The application window opens on Monday 13th April and close on Friday 01st May 2026

To submit an application,
– Log in to the NCSE School Portal
– Create a New support ticket
– Select ‘SET Exceptional Review for mainstream classrooms’ from the Type menu.
– Complete the required fields
– Ensure to attach your completed application form
– Click Submit