Galway Educate Together National School
Newcastle, Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 373 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 161 girls, 212 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20000L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Galway Educate Together National School (GETNS) is a co‑educational primary school that follows the Learn Together Curriculum, a modern framework built on four strands – an ethical approach to the environment, equality and justice, values and ethical perspectives, and belief systems. The school’s ethos places inclusion at the heart of everyday life, encouraging children to celebrate difference, express themselves respectfully and develop empathy. Decision‑making is shared through the Children’s Advisory Panel and a strong partnership with parents, reflected in an active Parents’ Guard Association and democratic school governance. The campus has been expanded with a second extension completed in 2018, providing spacious, modern classrooms equipped with CleverTouch interactive technology. Outdoor learning is supported by large play areas, a dedicated infant yard, and a basketball court. A wide range of curricular and extra‑curricular activities, including Irish language clubs and after‑school programmes, foster a love of lifelong learning and holistic development for all pupils.
History
GETNS was established in 1994 as the Galway School Project by a small group of parents seeking a multi‑denominational primary school rooted in the principles of the Educate Together movement, which itself began in the late 1970s and was formally founded in 1984. The school became part of the national Educate Together network, which now comprises 28 schools across Ireland. In 1998 the umbrella organisation was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee with charitable status, and GETNS has since grown into a well‑established institution recognised by the Irish Department of Education and Science.
Applying to Galway Educate Together National School
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Galway Educate Together National School. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Galway Educate Together National School
How many pupils attend Galway Educate Together National School?
Galway Educate Together National School has 373 pupils enrolled, 161 girls and 212 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Galway Educate Together National School a DEIS school?
No. Galway Educate Together National School is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Galway Educate Together National School?
Galway Educate Together National School has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed primary school.