Our Schools/Reconfiguration

Schools Reconfiguration

The Department of Education’s aim is for inclusive education to be available to children in their local area throughout the country, which supports the inclusion of multiculturalism in society and provides more choice for parents/guardians in relation to their children’s education.

To support this campaign, schools are given the opportunity to change (re-configure) into schools with a specific multi-denominational ethos. An Foras Pátrúnachta recognizes the value and benefit of the reconfiguration campaign and we welcome requests from schools that wish to change their ethos and/or patronage.

An Foras Pátrúnachta is very pleased to give established Irish-medium schools the opportunity to change patronage in order to provide Irish-medium schools with an Irish-medium patron. It is also important that the opportunity to establish gaelscoileanna with a multi-denominational ethos is taken in areas where Irish-medium education is not currently available and parents/guardians are given that meaningful choice.

General Information

An Foras Pátrúnachta understands the importance of having a systematic, clear and sustainable approach available to schools as they discuss reconfiguration.

We have appointed a full-time Reconfiguration & Schools Ethos Manager to provide ongoing support to school communities in relation to the process.

For more information, contact Sorcha sorcha@foras.ie

Information for Boards of Management

A Reconfiguration & Schools Ethos Manager is employed by An Foras Pátrúnachta to provide guidance and support to Management Boards that wish to undertake a consultation process with the school community. We place a high value on building trust with the school community and promoting meaningful and open communication.

An Foras Pátrúnachta organizes meetings with the Board of Management, the staff and the school community about the reconfiguration and information packages are provided to all participants.

The Board of Management plays a central role in the consultation process and a unique action plan is agreed for each school to meet the relevant needs. An Foras Pátrúnachta supports the school’s management at every stage of the process.

Information for Parents & Guardians

Reconfiguration is an opportunity for schools to move towards a multi-denominational ethos, a step that reflects the diverse and multicultural communities in which we live. A school with a multi-denominational ethos gives families the option to educate their children in an environment that celebrates the traditions and culture of every child in the school.

Parents play a central role in their children’s education and An Foras Pátrúnachta understands the importance of open and thoughtful communication with the school community about reconfiguration. Parents are welcome to attend information meetings and an information package is distributed about reconfiguration and parents are encouraged to discuss their views with the school management and An Foras Pátrúnachta on this important matter.

Information from the Department of Education

Please find below the resources available from the Department of Education regarding the reconfiguration of schools: