Education Insurance “Tailored Cover, Specialist Expertise”

When the Irish Free State was established in 1922, education was recognised as central to nation-building. The first Statistical Report under Education Minister Eoin MacNeill, published in 1923, recorded 497,146 pupils across 5,684 schools. The curriculum reflected both tradition and practicality — Algebra, Domestic Economy, and even School Gardening — funded by an annual budget of just £3.5 million.

That early system symbolised more than classrooms; it was a statement of national identity and ambition. A modern state would need an educated population to shape its economy, culture, and civic life. A century later, the scale and scope of Irish education has expanded dramatically. The most recent figures (2023/24) highlight:

• Primary students: 556,084 across 3,240 schools
• Secondary students: 416,575 across 722 schools
• Higher education enrolments: 265,905 across universities, institutes of technology and colleges
• Annual education budget: approximately €11 billion (baseline 2018/19)

Education remains compulsory from six to sixteen, with provision spanning Early Childhood, Primary, Post Primary, Further Education and Training, and Higher Education. From the modest beginnings of the Free State, Ireland has built one of Europe’s most resilient and diverse education systems — now a cornerstone of its social and economic success.

Against this backdrop, safeguarding educational institutions is vital. Schools, colleges, and universities are not just places of learning — they are pillars of national and community well-being. This is where our specialist expertise makes the difference. We have been providing specialist education insurance for over 35 years, protecting a wide range of establishments including schools, colleges, universities and business schools. Our expertise spans from primary and secondary schools to third-level and theological colleges.

By engaging with representative groups, we gain a deep understanding of the sector’s evolving needs. This allows us to deliver tailored insurance solutions that protect staff, students, buildings, contents, and business continuity. Our flexible underwriting, supported by valuation and risk management services, ensures comprehensive and competitive cover.

Today, we insure a broad portfolio of establishments whose primary purpose is to educate, instruct and impart knowledge or skill.

Our Risk Appetite Includes 

• Primary and secondary schools
• Gaelscoileanna
• Adult education providers
• Higher education establishments and universities
• Management and teacher training colleges
• Professional bodies and associations
• Theological colleges
• Business schools
• Further education and private colleges

Not within appetite: Liability-only risks, childminders/creches/nurseries, summer schools    

Insurance Cover Available  

• Buildings and contents
• Business interruption
• Loss of money
• Fidelity
• Employers’ liability
• Public liability (including retroactive cover, subject to criteria)
• Personal accident
• Professional indemnity
• Reputational risk
• Trustees’ and management liability
• Equipment breakdown
• Fine art, collections, and antiques
• Hirers’ liability
• Legal expenses

All cover is subject to underwriting criteria, terms and conditions.

To support education clients effectively, we will need details including:

• Sums insured for buildings and contents
• Construction details (including insulation, electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, protected structure status)
• Fire and security measures in place
• Confirmed claims history for the last five years and actions taken following any incidents
• Retroactive dates required and existing cover under PL/Abuse/PI and D&O, including any incidents or losses
• Evidence of good governance and management (safety statement, risk assessments, pre-employment vetting, safeguarding policy, property maintenance, record-keeping)
• Business continuity plan
• Teacher, staff, and volunteer numbers (including wage roll breakdown)
• Student numbers, including boarding pupils
• Details of any hazardous activities (e.g. equestrian, abseiling)