Church schools reform as a result of expansion project

The system of how students are admitted to church schools is being reformed as a result of an expansion project which will see a 40 per cent (2,200) increase in the number of students in church schools.

The €20 million project will see the extension of five schools – four adding a primary branch, the fifth, a secondary one.

Entry at primary level will begin at years one and four until the new schools are filled. Entry will then become regular in Kinder 1 and 2, year one and Form 1.

All children receiving primary education in a church school would be able to continue their secondary education in a church school.

The common entrance examination would no longer be held but entry criteria would remain the same.

Moreover, the children of staff in church schools would be able to enrol in schools where their parents work.