Possibility of amalgamating three of Tuam’s secondary schools

PARENTS and students of three of Tuam’s secondary schools are to be consulted on the future of post primary education in the town, with the potential to amalgamate St Jarlath’s College, Presentation College and Mercy Secondary School into one large co-educational facility.

CEIST, which is the patron of Presentation College and Scoil Bhríde; Mercy Secondary School, has instigated the consultation process, in conjunction with St Jarlath’s College, whose patron Archbishop Michael Neary is fully supportive of the plan.

Boards of Management and staff at all three schools were briefed on the consultation process this week, with the views of students and parents now being sought.

An independent facilitator, Frank Smith, will guide the consultation process and is due to submit a report to CEIST and Archbishop Neary, in late March.

Bernard Keeley, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of CEIST, said an agreement had been reached almost 15 years ago to amalgamate Presentation College and the Mercy and it was now time to revisit the matter, while including St Jarlath’s College in the overall process.

However, he said there was no predetermined outcome to the consultation process and any future decision on the provision of Catholic second level education would be a collective one involving all stakeholders.

“The agreement to amalgamate the Pres and the Mercy was reached in 2006 and the Department of Education committed to providing a site for the purposes of a new school building,” he said.

“However, the subsequent economic crisis meant the project fell down the list of priorities and both schools deserve clarity on the situation.

 “The Patrons of all three schools are unequivocally committed to continuing to provide the highest quality of education to the current and future students – boys and girls of Tuam.

“In appreciation of the rapidly changing educational landscape, both patrons have agreed that it is an opportune time, in collaboration with each of the school communities to explore together current and future Catholic educational provision in Tuam. 

“A consultation process has commenced which will seek to gather the perspectives of Boards of Management and staff.

“What is needed now is parental and student views in how we frame the conversation as to the future of post primary education in Tuam, which will hopefully serve the community for decades to come.”