moving schools

Grarog

We are moving back to Ireland this summer. Our kids will be starting in 4th class, 2nd class and senior infants. We have started applying to schools, so far they all say they are full and we are still looking. I'm wondering, if we had an address locally would this help? One secretary in particular I spoke to, the first thing she asked for was the address. When I explained we lived abroad and wouldn't have an address until July she immediately seemed to lose interest. Understandably, priority is given to kids that live locally. We would consider (although it would be hugely expensive) starting a rental contract now if it helped us secure a school place. 
Also, anyone know, what happens if all the schools are full? Where we live now, if you are living and registered within a catchment area, the state is obliged to provide you with a school place within that area. What's the Irish policy?
Thanks x

Wally Runs

Hi again, a very complex question, as you are throwing policy in with the real world and an element of class. All schools in the area are the best they can be and there will be strong element of the individual and collective parents values and views on education that will either a line or jar with your values. Naturally, the school my kids go to is the best as indeed are my kids, see not easy being objective is it!

If I could give you one piece of advice it would be to try and get two days here and visit them in person. If possible with the principle and or if not to get a feel for the school and do you see your kids there. I would suggest there is no substitute for for your own experience.

Wally

lazygal

There is no right to attend the local or nearest school or school that is your preference in Ireland. All schools operate as private entities under patrons and set their own admissions policies. I know where we live there are often waiting lists for junior infants, but places for later years often open up.
I can see why principals won't give your questions definite answers. They don't know themselves that they have places for a given date, people might move or change schools within the school year or over holiday periods. If all the schools are full the Education and Welfare Board will direct a school to take your children, but where this school is will be at its discretion because if a school is full, it's full and you'll have to take what's available.

Moonbeam

Do you have an idea on the area that you are moving to ?
Do you have family there ?
Do you have a school type preference ? Catholic ,COI , all girls ,multi denominational ,etc ?

hungergamer

I sent you a pm

Grarog

Bray. No family, a few good friends though. Son got accepted to Cronans. Looking for places for the girls now. 
We are Catholics, the kids are baptised but we're not religious. I don't mind them going to a catholic school as long as it's inclusive. I believe Communion and Confirmation preparation is now generally done outside of school time which suits us. All girls vs. mixed not an issue, more important the quality of the school and teachers.
I've heard good things about Bray School project, have applied there, as well as St Pats and Ravenswell. Gaelscoils not an option I think, parents need to speak irish at home with them right? Then there's Peters and Fergals which I know nothing about.

byhookorbycrook

Communion and Confirmation are still prepared in school. There are programmes for both run by the parish outside of school. but the main burden falls on schools still. Most Catholic schools have children of many different faiths and none and if you wish to have your child opt out of religion, it's not a big deal.

GalwayGrrrrrl

We don't speak Irish at home but our kids go to gaelscoil. However we started the children in gaelscoils from nursery age. It might be hard for your older children to cope in gaelscoil if you are moving from English speaking schools.
Communion and confirmation prep is done in school time in our schools.

Moonbeam

Grainne Rogers wrote: »

Bray. No family, a few good friends though. Son got accepted to Cronans. Looking for places for the girls now. 
We are Catholics, the kids are baptised but we're not religious. I don't mind them going to a catholic school as long as it's inclusive. I believe Communion and Confirmation preparation is now generally done outside of school time which suits us. All girls vs. mixed not an issue, more important the quality of the school and teachers.
I've heard good things about Bray School project, have applied there, as well as St Pats and Ravenswell. Gaelscoils not an option I think, parents need to speak irish at home with them right? Then there's Peters and Fergals which I know nothing about.

Communion is very much part of school life in 2nd class ,they spend alot of time on it .
I think you need to apply to all and see what happens ,good luck

Wally Runs

St Andrews too, mixed.