“Unmanageable Burden”: Principals Call for Change to Free Schoolbooks Scheme - 08/10/2026

The Agenda · Oct 8, 2026 · 11m

School principals are warning that the free schoolbooks scheme is creating an “unmanageable administrative burden”, despite strong support for the scheme itself.A new survey by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, which received 300 responses from school leaders, found that 90 per cent believe the administration involved is creating major burden, while 78 per cent say the funding provided to help manage the scheme is not enough.The scheme, which provides schools with funding for textbooks, workbooks, copybooks and other essential resources, was introduced in primary…