This week saw the results of a the Primary School Patronage Survey in 38 areas across the country. Two of the 38 areas surveyed were in Mayo — Ballina and Westport. The survey results showed the majority of parents in Ballina and Westport seeking alternate provision of school patronage indicated Educate Together as their first preference.
Parents in Castlebar also preferred Educate Together when surveyed last year. Welcoming the survey results regional development officer for Educate Together Jarlath Munnelly said "Educate Together is delighted that so many parents in Mayo want an Educate Together school in their community.
“The Forum for Patronage and Pluralism has given parents in these communities the opportunity to express preference for the schools they want. We are honoured that so many communities have put their trust in Educate Together and our educational ethos.’
‘Today’s results are significant as they clearly show demand for diversity of school type exists across Mayo. Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn is to be commended for the Forum initiative. It has given parents a real opportunity to choose the type of schools they want for their children’s education.”
Jarlath Munnelly also went on to say that, ‘The goodwill shown by the Catholic patrons to the forum’s process is also to be recognised. The survey results show that, in addition to the interest in diversity, many parents are very happy with the Catholic National Schools in their communities. Educate Together certainly expects that any school reassigned to our patronage will continue to play an active part of its local community.”
