Parents back plans to open schools

EDUCATE Together has been boosted by strong backing from parents for its plans to open a number of multidenominational second-level schools in the next few years.

The organisation has more than 40 primary schools under its umbrella and announced plans last November to begin offering second-level education.

A study by Trinity College Dublin (TCD) researchers shows that 90% of parents whose children attend an Educate Together primary school would choose one of its second-level schools if one was available in the area.

From the 428 parents asked, the highest priorities for a second-level school were high provision of special needs education and a good physical environment. They had a strong desire for mixed gender schooling and that a second-level school would be sensitive to the transition of children from primary schools.

“A surprising element was that parents did not believe academic results to be the only sign of a good school, or the most important one,” said research leader Dr Aidan Seery from TCD.

Parents also highlighted the need for a school to be able to deal with bullying and racism, to listen to parents, and for its teachers to treat pupils with respect. Most would also favour a school with a mix of social backgrounds and with a strong balance of academic, personal and social development.

While no location for the schools have been identified, they would likely be in areas where the group has a number of primary schools. It is thought Lucan in Co Dublin or part of north Dublin could be chosen but the earliest any school would open is in September 2009.

“We still have some legal matters to check and we’re awaiting confirmation from the Department of Education that our recognition as a primary patron can be applied at second level,” said Educate Together second-level project manager Emer Nowlan.

www.educatetogether.ie