WWETB calls on parents to participate in Primary Schools Survey 2030 and have their say on the future of primary education

The release of a nationwide survey to all parents of children aged 0-12 by the Department of Education and Youth has been welcomed by Waterford and Wexford Education & Training Board (WWETB). The survey, www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey aims to assess the appetite amongst parents for multi-denominational, co-educational and Irish-medium education. 

Education and Training Boards, the patrons of Community National Schools, special schools and post-primary schools across the country, which are state-funded, co-educational, multi-denominational schools, and the largest provider of education through the medium of Irish, are calling on all parents of children within this cohort, as well as school staff and boards of management to participate in the survey and have their say.

Commenting today, Eimear Ryan, Director of Schools with WWETB said: “This is a valuable opportunity to influence how education evolves across Ireland. By taking part, you can help ensure that primary schools reflect the rich diversity of modern Irish society.  We strongly encourage parents, school staff, and boards of management to take the time to complete the survey and explore the resources and information provided by the Department of Education”.

“While change can naturally bring uncertainty”, she continued “it’s important to understand that when a school changes patron such as becoming a Community National School under the patronage of the local ETB—many of the things that make the school special remain unchanged.  The curriculum, staff, and extra-curricular activities continue as before.  The key difference is in the school’s ethos: Community National Schools are inclusive of all children and families, ensuring that no single faith is prioritised during the school day. This approach supports equality and belonging for everyone in the school community.”

WWETB is patron of Kilnamanagh Community National School since 2019, and there has been a five-fold increase in enrolment in the last 6 years.  WWETB is also patron of 12 post-primary schools in counties Waterford and Wexford and Gorey Hill School – a special school for children and young people with autism and complex learning needs which opened in 2024. WWETB serves a total school going population of six thousand students.

Further information about the Schools Survey 2030 currently being run by the Department of Education is available at www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey

Community National Schools (CNSs) are state, co-educational, multi-denominational primary schools under the patronage of local ETBs. For more information on Community National Schools, visit www.cns.ie