Delegates from across the country gathered at Carlow Educate Together National School today for the 2025 Educate Together Annual General Meeting (AGM). The event was a time to reflect on the organisation’s progress, discuss and debate policy, and celebrate over five decades of pioneering work in equality-based education.
Democracy in Action
As a democratic, member-led organisation, Educate Together’s AGM provided a space for robust discussion and decision-making. In the morning session, delegates debated and voted on a wide range of motions addressing curriculum, governance, school development and organisational policy, demonstrating the continued engagement and democratic strength of the Educate Together network. Three directors were also elected by members to the board of the organisation.
Prior to the formal debates, members engaged in workshops on patronage reconfiguration, the Dublin 15 common application admissions process, a new partnership with GIY’s Grow at School programme, and Educate Together’s democratic structures.
The morning session concluded with a powerful address from Educate Together’s chairperson, Emma Lane-Spollen. Emma highlighted the importance of education in upholding our values of equality, inclusion and democratic citizenship. Referring to current global and societal challenges, Emma said:
We are held together by shared values – a belief in equality, diversity and inclusion and a commitment to nurturing and educating young people. We should not take anything for granted and must steadfastly ensure our schools continue to be a safe place for all children. Most importantly we need to keep joy in our classrooms, nurture empathy, are teach our students vital critical thinking skills.
Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future
This year’s AGM was inspired by the 50th anniversary of the inaugural meeting of Dalkey School Project Association, the founding school of the Educate Together movement. The public afternoon session included a Pioneers Panel, involving key figures whose vision and commitment have helped transform the educational landscape in Ireland.
Speaking on the panel, Dr. Carmel Mulcahy, talked about her experience as a founding parent of North Bay ETNS, as the first chairperson of Hansfield ETSS, and as an author of Learn Together, Educate Together’s foundational Ethical Education curriculum at primary level. ; Éadaoin Kelly, principal of Paradise Place ETNS, spoke about leading the process of reconfiguring from Catholic to Educate Together patronage in her school, the first Catholic primary school in the state to transition.
Isobel Dunne, a past pupil of Balbriggan ETNS and Ballymakenny College, who is now teaching in Bremore Educate Together secondary school, shared her experience as a second-level student who commuted long distances to attend an Educate Together school. She also reflected on the challenges in upholding the Educate Together ethos and teaching Ethical Education now, in the face in increasing division and hate. Simon Lewis, founding principal of the host school, Carlow ETNS reflected on the challenges of being the only Educate Together school in the county and the resistance the start-up group who campaigned for the school faced at the time of establishment. The panel discussion, which was facilitated by Educate Together director Deirdre Duffy, highlighted the continued relevance of the evolution of equality-based education in an increasingly diverse and dynamic Ireland.
Looking Forward: Stronger Together
Educate Together’s CEO, Emer Nowlan, updated delegates on the organisation’s Annual Report and progress during 2024, including insights from the interim review of the Stronger Together strategic plan. The report shows how Educate Together continues to grow its impact as a school patron, charity, and membership body, with over 41,000 students now attending 118 schools in the network. However, in her address Emer warned that the absence of new school openings since 2022 threatens to stall progress.
Emer praised the commitment of school leaders, parents and supporters:
“For five decades, communities have built schools from the ground up; driven by values of equality, democracy, and inclusion. But today, families are still forced to fight the same battles for access and choice. We need the Government to step up and deliver on its promises to increase choice in the system.”
The organisation repeated its call on the Department of Education to immediately proceed with the long-promised national survey of parents on school patronage. It also urged the Government to back the survey with clear, accessible information, and to provide practical supports for schools wishing to transfer patronage.
The AGM also acknowledged challenges facing many schools in the Educate Together network, particularly in relation to speed of delivery of school buildings, and the pressures placed on school leaders. Despite this, schools continue to grow and innovate, demonstrating the strength of the model.
Emer concluded: “We owe it to the next generation to ensure access to schools that reflect their families’ values. It’s time to turn words into action.”
Workshops held on the day explored key initiatives and challenges, including:
- Update on Interim Strategic Review
- Grow It Yourself (GIY) and Educate Together partnering to deliver GROW at School
- Reflecting on the Work of the D15 Taskforce
- Increasing access to Educate Together schools through Reconfiguration
Empowering student voice
A video was shared in the afternoon session featuring young people from second-level schools who participated in two recent student-led events focused on themes of empathy, solidarity, and active citizenship. These peer-led initiatives bring together students from Educate Together schools around the country, showcasing the power of student-led change and involvement.
The day concluded with pupils of Carlow ETNS performing their school song, reflecting the vibrancy and creativity nurtured within the school community.
