Dear Parents/Guardians,
On 23 June 2026, the Minister for Education and Youth announced publication of the results of the Primary School Survey. I would like to share the results for St. Mary’s and outline the next steps.
The national survey took place between 4th November and 16th December 2025. Of the 309 households with children attending St. Mary’s in 2025/2026, 141 households participated. A further 34 respondents who indicated that they intended to enrol children in St. Mary’s in the future also participated.
For context, approximately 73% of parents participating in the survey across the 276 single-sex primary schools indicated a preference for a move to co-education. Of the 12 schools surveyed in the Rathfarnham Planning Area, 91% expressed a preference for co-educational schools.
It is important to emphasise that the survey result does not constitute a decision to change the status of St. Mary’s. The Department of Education has provided a process to enable school communities to consider their survey findings and the implications of any potential change. These survey results have been shared with our Parents’ Association, Board of Management, Student Council and on the school website.
If you would like to send me further feedback on the results of this survey, please feel free to do so at principal@marysbns.ie A public meeting will be held in the school hall at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday 21st October 2026 to discuss the results and feedback.
A special meeting of the Board of Management will be held to review all feedback received and to decide whether the school wishes to explore any change in configuration. All schools must notify their patron of their decision by 31st October 2026.
I would like to thank all parents and guardians who took the time to participate in the survey. Your views are an important part of considering the future direction of our school.
Kind regards,
Don O’Neill
Principal
St. Mary’s