Post Primary Online Database (P-POD)

The Post-Primary Online Database (P-POD) is a central database for student and some school data which is hosted by the Department of Education. Post-primary schools access the system using the department's Esinet secure portal to maintain their students' data.

Data is used in the allocation of teaching posts and funding to schools. Details of entrants for the state examinations are shared with the State Examinations Commission.

Post Primary Online Database (PPOD) User Guides

Post Primary Online Database (P-POD) FAQs

The October Returns is the annual collection of data on pupil enrolments provided by recognised post-primary schools to the department. The data returned is used by the department to allocate teaching posts and funding to schools. For exam entrants, the data returned is shared with the State Examinations Commission to assist in the organisation and administration of examinations.

Post-primary schools are required to generate their annual pupil returns through P-POD. Schools will produce a combined OL20/Certificate of Management directly from P-POD. This combined OL20/CMA will need to be printed off and signed in the normal manner.

Schools in the ETB sector need to submit their October Returns documentation to the department via the relevant ETB head office. Schools are required to submit paper documentation related to the returns no later than 7 October to:

October Returns Documents

Frequently Asked Questions Junior Cycle Certificate of Completion 2020

The Fair Processing Notice below explains how personal data collected during the October Returns process is handled: