County Roscommon parents’ preference shifting towards multi-denominational education

Results from the Department of Education and Youth’s Primary School survey have revealed that parents in County Roscommon have sought change to multi-denominational education in their local school.

Surveys were given to schools in June, revealed that 34 per cent of families in the county indicated they would prefer multi-denominational education.

These numbers contrast starkly with current school provision, whereby 95.1 per cent of primary schools nationally remain under denominational control.

Educate Together welcomed the engagement locally and highlighted that Roscommon is just one of six counties without an Educate Together school and only has one community national school.

All schools are being asked to consult the survey results with parents, and the Department has released advice to schools on how best to engage with the community.

The closing date for a patronage transfer application has been extended to November 30th.

“The data from the Primary School Survey has given schools an insight into what their parents want, but it doesn’t tell the full story. We are encouraging all schools to engage with the parents to get a more rounded view of what the school community wants and what their vision is for the future of the school. If your local school is consulting parents, we strongly encourage parents to get involved," stated Edward Platt, Schools Development Officer for Educate Together. 

“At the moment we are encouraging all schools to take this unique opportunity to examine the future they want for their local school. Once the deadline has passed and schools have expressed interest, we are very much looking forward to engaging with these schools and supporting them in patronage transfer.

“We are very excited to be able to engage with schools where demand for change exists and bring school choice to communities around Ireland,” he concluded.