Waterford & Wexford ETB part of expanding Community National School model

Delegates at the first in-person conference of Community National School (CNS)  Principals in Ireland held last week heard new research which shows that most Irish  adults (61%) show a preference for multi-denominational education, with only 9%  showing a preference for a religious body to provide education.

The research, carried  out with a representative sample of 1,011 adults in the Rep. of Ireland by Opinions, also  shows that the CNS model, provided by Ireland’s Education & Training Boards (ETBs),  including Waterford & Wexford ETB, is associated with key aspects that influence  parents of primary school going children when deciding where to send them to school. 

These include being co-educational, multi-denominational, having an inclusive ethos  in admissions and providing for children with special needs. 

Eimear Ryan, Director of Schools in Waterford and Wexford ETB, said: “We in  WWETB are delighted to meet with Community National School principals from our own and other ETBs at this conference. This professional learning opportunity is just one example of the many supports ETBs offer schools under their patronage. In  WWETB we currently have 1 Community National School. We are proud to have  supported this school through a transfer of patronage process. We look forward to  seeing this number increase through the Schools Reconfiguration for Diversity Process  over the coming years.” 

Delegates heard from Principals that a multi-denominational, equality-based ethos as  well as a multi-belief and values curriculum, instead of a faith formation curriculum in  one religion, were key in attracting new and existing primary schools to become  Community National Schools.  

ETBI Director of Schools Dr Seamus Conboy added: “The research by Opinions clearly  shows the attractiveness of the Community National School offering to both a general  sample of Irish adults and to those specifically with children of primary school going  age. Indeed, my own research suggests that the CNS ethos enables teachers and school  leaders to respond appropriately to diversity within the school community.”  

Conference delegates also heard from academics and education specialists including  keynote speaker, Professor Patricia Mannix-McNamara, Head of the School of  Education and Training Boards Ireland Education at the University of Limerick, over the two-day conference which ran in  Athlone from 25th - 26th May.