The number of Donegal children enrolling in multi-denominational schools is on the rise this year, according to new figures.
The Department of Education recorded a 25.5% increase in pupils registering to multi-denominational primary schools in Donegal last September. These are schools defined as those that do not provide faith formation, such as Educate Together.
Enrolments in multi-denominational schools stood at 266 for the 2018/2019 school year.
Meanwhile, the number of children attending Catholic schools decreased by 0.4 per cent to 16,664.
Total enrolments in Donegal primary schools fell to 18,840 in September, a decrease of 27 pupils.
Donegal has a higher proportion of small schools than the national average, while the average primary school size in the county is 108 pupils, below the national average of 180 pupils.
The preliminary data from September 2018 shows that the total number of pupils enrolled in both primary and post-primary schools in Donegal rose to 31,863, an increase of 90.
At post-primary level, 13,023 pupils were enrolled in Donegal schools in September 2018 – an increase of 117 pupils, or 0.9 per cent, on September 2017.
More pupils are choosing the multi-denominational ethos at secondary level too, with an increase of 149 pupils in 2018. Enrolments went down by 22 pupils, or 0.7 per cent in Catholic schools compared to the previous year.
Commenting on the data release, Education Minister Joe McHugh said: “I welcome the early publication of this report on enrolments by local administrative area in primary and post-primary schools. The numbers highlight the rise in the school-going population across the country, with an increase at both primary and secondary level enrolments. They reflect the important changes taking place in the patronage of our schools, with more choice available to parents.
“At both primary and secondary level, the number of multi-denominational schools has risen. There is also a move towards larger schools in our post-primary system as enrolments increase each year.
“These numbers provide essential data to enable the Department to plan and to implement the change processes underway to provide for greater diversity and choice in our education system.”
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