Cuilmore National School, Newport, Co. Mayo welcomed pupils, parents, guardians, and local community members to its Open Night on Tuesday, February 10th. Cuilmore National School will transition to a Community National School (CNS) under Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) patronage from the 2026/2027 school year, becoming the first Community National School in Mayo.
The Open Night offered families and community members the opportunity to learn more about the Community National School model, meet the principal and teachers, and ask questions about what the transition will mean for the school community.
Speaking about the future of the school, Tracy Hanley, Principal of Cuilmore National School said:
“We are delighted to move to the Community National School model and to welcome MSLETB as the new patron of our school. Cuilmore National School has been at the heart of the local community for over eighty years, and this move represents a positive step in our school’s history to help our school to continue to thrive for many years to come.”
Community National Schools (CNS) are state-run, co-educational, multi-denominational primary schools underpinned by the core values of Excellence in Education, Care, Equality, Community and Respect. There are currently 32 Community National Schools across Ireland, and Cuilmore will join this growing network, offering parents and pupils an inclusive, child-centred primary education option in the region.
Commenting on the transition to a Community National School under MSLETB patronage, Tom Grady, Chief Executive of MSLETB said:
“The transition of Cuilmore National School to a Community National School represents an important milestone for primary education in the region. As the first Community National School under our patronage, Cuilmore is leading the way in providing an inclusive, multi-denominational school model that reflects the diversity of today’s communities. MSLETB aims to ensure that the school, its staff, pupils and families are supported as it begins this exciting new phase.
I would like to thank the school patron, Archbishop Francis Duffy, for his decision to transfer patronage of the school. I would like to thank the Cuilmore NS school community for their constructive engagement in the process. I also wish to express my thanks to the Department of Education and Youth for their diligent work in supporting this transition.”
In a statement, Archbishop of Tuam, Dr. Francis Duffy said:
“I acknowledge the work undertaken by all involved in the transition of Cuilmore National School. I extend my good wishes to the school community and trust that the school will continue to be a place of learning and community for children and families.”
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton TD has congratulated all involved in the transfer of patronage of Cuilmore NS.
Minister Naughton said:
“I would like to congratulate all involved for their positive, constructive engagement in the transfer of patronage process of this school. Cuilmore NS has a long and proud history. I look forward to the school continuing to serve the local community, while increasing choice for parents. I am delighted that this transfer of patronage will increase diversity of provision and that there will be a multi-denominational primary school option for parents in the area.
While the engagement with this school community was separate to the Primary School Survey, it is a good example of how transfer of patronage can be facilitated, where parents and school communities support this. In relation to the Primary School Survey, which ran to 16 December 2025, the level of engagement has been exceptional. This strong response provides meaningful insight and will play a vital role in informing decisions as we continue to work together and plan for the future of education across Ireland. My department is continuing to validate the survey responses and this work should be completed shortly. Initial high-level summary results focussing on response rates will be published in early 2026, with a Q2 2026 timeframe for school-level data. I look forward to working with schools and school communities across Ireland as we make plans for the future that reflect the outcomes of the survey.”
Enrolment for Junior Infants at Cuilmore National School is now open. Families who wish to learn more about the school and its transition to a Community National School are encouraged to contact the school directly by emailing [email protected] or phone 098 41890.
