Four In Ten Wexford Parents Want Multi-Denominational Primary School Education

More than four in ten parents surveyed in County Wexford want a multi-denominational education in their local primary school.

New figures from the Department of Education's Primary School Survey show that 41.6 percent of Wexford families would prefer a multi-denominational school.

Educate Together says the demand is not currently being met, with just five of the county's 100 primary schools operating under a multi-denominational ethos.

These include three Educate Together schools and two smaller multi-denominational schools.

Edward Platt, Schools Development Officer with Educate Together, spoke to South East Radio News this afternoon and says Wexford is among the five counties with the highest demand for multi-denominational education nationally.

He says the survey provides a unique opportunity for schools to examine what their communities want, adding that there has never been a clearer pathway for schools wishing to change patronage.

The organisation has welcomed an extension of the deadline for schools to express an interest in changing patronage, with the new closing date set for November 30th.

Mr Platt is encouraging parents to contact their school principal and get involved in any consultation taking place.

Nationally, 40 percent of parents in religious-run schools said they would prefer a multi-denominational primary school, despite 95.1 percent of primary schools remaining under denominational control.

Educate Together says it is ready to support schools interested in making the transition.