Primary

CNS Logo

What are Community National Schools?

Community National Schools (CNS) are state-run, co-educational, multi-denominational primary schools. They welcome all children and are guided by the values of excellence in education, care, equality, community, and respect. Community National Schools aim to give every child an equal chance to learn and grow, providing a positive, supportive and inclusive learning environment. They were established in 2008 and are managed by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs).

What will my child experience in a Community National School?

In a Community National School, every child is given an equal chance to take part in learning and school life. CNSs aim to be safe, welcoming places where children feel they belong in the school community and wider world. Community Nationals Schools strive to help every child reach their full potential. They are fully inclusive and respect the wide mix of identities, cultures, beliefs and values found among students, parents and staff.

Like all primary schools in Ireland, Community National Schools follow the national Primary School Curriculum. Because CNS schools are multi-denominational, children also take part in Goodness Me, Goodness You! (GMGY), a curriculum that explores different beliefs, values and ways of understanding the world. Teaching and learning in CNS schools are guided by five core values: excellence in education, care, equality, community and respect. These values shape everything a child experiences in a Community National School.

Goodness You Poster with primary children

What are the similarities and differences between Community National Schools and other primary schools?

Community National Schools (CNSs) are very similar to other primary schools. They follow the same national curriculum, teach the same subjects, and welcome children from junior infants to sixth class. They are funded by the Department of Education, follow the same rules and policies, and their teachers have the same qualifications and Teaching Council requirements as all other primary teachers.

The main differences are in their ethos and how they are run. CNSs have a multidenominational ethos, meaning every child is treated equally and included no matter their background or belief. Instead of teaching about one religion, children explore their own and other children’s religions, beliefs, cultures and values in a fun, age-appropriate way through a programme called Goodness Me, Goodness You! CNSs are also the only primary schools that are both state-funded and state-run, as they are under the patronage of local Education and Training Boards. This means they benefit from strong supports and services from their local ETB.

Who runs these schools and what difference does it make?

Community National Schools are run by local Education and Training Boards (ETBs). ETBs are public bodies that manage a wide range of education services, including Community National Schools, Community Colleges, special schools, youth services, and further education and training centres. They are well known for providing high-quality, inclusive and innovative education for entire communities.

Because Community National Schools are part of the ETB family, they benefit from strong support in many areas. ETBs help with school governance, teaching and learning support, administration, finances, IT, and human resources. All this benefits schools under their patronage. The support of the ETB also benefits families. ETBs offer adult education programmes, which can provide valuable learning opportunities for parents and guardians of children attending Community National Schools.

Do Community National Schools prepare children for the sacraments?

Children who attend Community National Schools can still make their First Communion and Confirmation. The main difference is that preparation for these sacraments is organised by the local parish, not the school, and usually takes place after school hours either in the parish centre or the school building. Although faith formation for Catholic children happens outside school hours in Community National Schools, these milestones are still acknowledged within the school. CNSs create opportunities for all children, including those receiving sacraments, to share and mark important celebrations with their class and school community at suitable times of the year, helping to support their sense of identity and belonging.

Why is the Community National School model growing?

The CNS model is growing because it offers something many families in Ireland are actively looking for, schools that welcome every child in the local community. As Ireland becomes increasingly diverse, more parents want school options that celebrate all children equally. Community National Schools provide this by creating inclusive, respectful learning environments for every child. Overall, the growth of Community National Schools represents a positive and exciting development in Irish education. Building on Ireland’s global reputation for excellence in primary teaching, Community National Schools offer a modern model that values every child.