Two Mile school represented at national multi-denominational conference

Catherine Barry, the Principal of Two Mile National School just outside Killarney was one of the delegates at a special conference recently that discussed multi-denominational education in Ireland.

Delegates at the first in-person conference of Community National School

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 Ireland by Opinions, also shows that the CNS model, provided by Ireland’s Education and Training Boards (ETBs), including Kerry 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.

Ann O’Dwyer, Director of Schools in Kerry ETB, said: “We in Kerry ETB 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 Kerry ETB we currently have three Community National Schools. We are proud to have supported all three of these schools 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