Parents of primary school children to have their say on religious instruction and co-education

The majority of primary schools in Ireland remain under Catholic patronage, despite moves in recent years to increase the number of non-denominational schools.

Parents of young children are being asked what kind of local school they wish to see, in a landmark survey that will help define the future of education in Ireland.

For the first time, parents will have their say on the demand for different types of primary school provision, including patronage, co-education, and Irish-medium provision.

The majority of primary schools in Ireland remain under Catholic patronage, despite moves in recent years to increase the number of non-denominational schools.

Schools operating under Catholic patronage have a Catholic ethos, and the school day includes faith formation and preparation for the Catholic sacraments like communion and confirmation.

Despite moves in recent years to increase the number of non-denominational schools, and despite a recognised need to improve choice for parents, the number has remained low.

Now, the Department of Education is seeking the input of parents directly to help inform its moves to increase diversity.

Running until mid-December, the primary school survey askes parents directly to express their preferences when it comes to patronage, co-education, and Irish-medium provision, as well as the school their children currently attend, or will attend.

All responses to the survey will remain confidential and anonymous.

According to the department, it will appoint a facilitator to “assist the school community in their journey to becoming a multi-denominational school” where the survey finds “clear support” from parents for change.

Earlier this year, a survey the Irish National Teachers Organisation found most teachers believe it should not be a school’s responsibility to prepare children for communions, confirmations and first confessions.

School staff are also being asked to have their say. Earlier this year, a survey the Irish National Teachers Organisation found most teachers believe it should not be a school’s responsibility to prepare children for communions, confirmations and first confessions.

Education minister Helen McEntee said this was the first time parents, guardians, teachers and board members across every primary school community in Ireland will have the opportunity to clearly express what kind of school they wish to see in their area.

Our education system must reflect our society but more importantly, it must respond to what parents want for their children.

She added: "By assessing parental demand in every community, we can identify what the need is and work with schools to support them through that process."

Figures gathered by Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) show 156 of the 3,089 primary schools nationally are multi-denominational, that is 5% of all schools.

In the 2022 census, 31% of people in Ireland said they do not identify as Catholic, with more than 14% identifying as non-religious, and significant increases in other religious beliefs.

This demonstrates a clear need for more diverse primary school options for families right across the country, Dr Séamus Conboy, director of schools with ETBI, with responsibility for the development of the Community National School model, said. 

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"A considerable proportion of our population is not adequately served by the current primary education system, where most schools are run by the Catholic Church and promote a Catholic ethos.”

Parents can take the primary school survey here.