Primary Schools Survey 2030

DDLETB calls on parents and guardians to participate in Primary Schools Survey 2030 and have their say on the future of primary education

The release of a nationwide survey to all parents of children aged 0-12 by the Department of Education and Youth has been welcomed by Ireland’s Education & Training Boards. The survey found here, aims to assess the appetite amongst parents for multi-denominational, co-educational and Irish-medium education.

Education and Training Boards, the patrons of Community National Schools and Community Colleges across the country, which are state-funded, co-educational, multi-denominational primary and post-primary schools, and the largest provider of education through the medium of Irish, are calling on all parents of children within this cohort, as well as school staff and boards of management to participate in the survey and have their say.

Commenting on the release of the survey, Caitríona Murphy, Chief Executive of DDLETB said, “This is an important opportunity to inform the future educational landscape across Ireland. It’s a chance to ensure our schools, in the future, reflect the diverse society we now live in. We would encourage parents and guardians, school staff, and boards of management to take time to complete the survey, and to access the resources and information provided by the Department.”

“It is important to note, that when a school changes to become, for example, a Community National School under the patronage of their local ETB, lots of the great things that are already in place remain the same”, she continued, “the curriculum, the staff, and extra-curricular activities all remain as they were. The main thing that changes is that the ethos in a Community National School includes all children and their families equally throughout the school day, rather than prioritising any one faith. So instead of taking part in Catholic religion classes only, for example, children learn about different religious and non-religious worldviews, and the religions and beliefs of their classmates. For families who are Catholic, there is still the option for children to make their First Holy Communion or their Confirmation – the only difference is that preparation for the sacraments happens outside of the regular school day.”

Data on Religious Beliefs demonstrates “clear need for more diverse school options”

Figures gathered by ETBI show that, currently, only 156 of the 3089 primary schools nationally are multi-denominational (i.e. 5% of all schools). The vast majority – 95% – fall under the patronage of religious bodies, primarily the Catholic Church. Data from the most recent Census illustrates a mismatch between the religious beliefs of people in Ireland, and the educational options currently on offer. In the 2022 Census, 31% of people in Ireland said they do not identify as Catholic, with over 14% identifying as non-religious and significant increases in other religious beliefs.

Commenting on the data, Nichola Spokes, DDLETB Director of School, with responsibility for the development of DDLETB Community National School said

“The Census data demonstrates a clear need for more diverse primary school options for families in our region. A considerable proportion of our population is not adequately served by the current primary education system, whereby 95% of the schools are primarily run by the Catholic Church and promote a Catholic ethos.”

“Parents should have the opportunity to choose a school that reflects their own values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. Educational diversity ensures that every family can access an environment that aligns with their principles and supports the holistic development of their children. Expanding school choice is therefore essential to fostering inclusion, equality, and respect for the diverse identities within our community.”

The survey will CLOSE on December 16th, further information about the Primary Schools Survey 2030 is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/campaigns/primary-school-survey/

Further information on ETB Community National Schools can be found here: https://www.ddletb.ie/schools/primary-schools/ or at the national CNS website: www.cns.ie