Tuam Educate Together National School welcomed its first intake of nine junior infants this week. The school, based in in the former St Patrick’s CBS on the Dublin Road, is one of three new Educate Together national schools around the country as part of the divestment process.
Nuala Bourke, principal of Tuam ETNS, said it was an exciting week for the pupils, staff, and parents. "It has been a very busy summer with all the building works, ordering resources and preparing policies so I can't wait to get stuck in to the teaching part, getting to know the children, and building relationships in the community," she added. "Tuam is a vibrant town and I have been made very welcome. The highlight of the summer was meeting the nine families and already there is such a positive vibe."
Educate Together is the fastest-growing school patron body in Ireland, with hundreds of children being signed up for new schools and waiting lists around the country over-subscribed.
Paul Rowe, CEO of Educate Together, said: "We are working towards the day when every family can access an Educate Together national school within 30 minutes travel time from their home. Our estimate is that nationally we need around 300 Educate Together schools to achieve this. Today we have 77."
