Tipperary ETB primary school playing leading role in multi-denominational education

The role of Tipperary ETB in multi-denominational primary education was highlighted at the first in-person conference of Community National School (CNS) principals in Ireland.

The conference heard that new research 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 by Opinions, also shows that the CNS model, provided by Ireland’s Education and Training Boards, including Tipperary 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.

Clodagh Kelly, director of schools in Tipperary ETB, said: “In Tipperary ETB, we currently have one community national school, Nenagh CNS. 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.”