BREAKING: Long-established Tipperary primary schools start out on the path to amalgamation

Two long-established primary schools in Clonmel are in discussions about amalgamating to provide a single co-educational school. 

Presentation Primary School and St Mary’s CBS, are set to embark on creating a single co-educational school in an exciting new chapter for education in the town.

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The two schools involved issued the following joint statement on the matter on Friday afternoon -

"Two of Clonmel’s most well-established primary schools, Presentation Primary School and St Mary’s CBS, are currently engaged in early-stage exploratory discussions around the possibility of amalgamating to form a single, vibrant coeducational learning community.

While these discussions are at a preliminary and consultative stage, the proposal reflects a shared vision for the future of primary education in Clonmel — one that values inclusion, collaboration, and continued educational excellence. It is important to note that no final decision has been made, and any formal move toward amalgamation would ultimately require the approval of the Department of Education.

Currently, Presentation Primary School caters for boys and girls in Junior and Senior Infants and girls from First to Sixth Class, while St Mary’s CBS provides for boys from First to Sixth Class. The proposal would see the creation of a coeducational environment for all classes from Junior Infants through to Sixth Class — a development both schools believe has significant educational and social value.

“We’re still very much in the early stages of exploring what this might look like,” said Tanya O’Brien, principal of Presentation Primary. “But we’re excited about the potential to create a more inclusive and united learning environment for all our pupils.”

Eoin Morrissey, principal of St Mary’s CBS, added: “We see this as an opportunity to build on the strong foundations and traditions of both schools. It’s a conversation rooted in what’s best for the children and families we serve.”

Both school communities have a deep pride in their heritage and ethos. Any new arrangement would be designed to honour the values and traditions of both Presentation and CBS, even as it looks ahead to a shared future.

“We are not looking to erase our histories. This is about building something new together — while respecting what has come before.”

As part of this open and transparent process, parents and guardians from both Presentation Primary School and St Mary’s C.B.S. will be invited to attend a further information meeting before the end of the school year. This meeting will provide an update on the current status of the proposal and offer an opportunity for parents from both schools to ask questions and share feedback.

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A dedicated steering group, made up of school leaders, chairpersons, and patron representatives, will be formed to oversee the process. If the proposal progresses, the aim would be to implement any changes in a phased manner, with further consultation and planning throughout.

For now, the process remains one of careful consideration, listening, and dialogue, with the best interests of students, families, and staff at its heart," the statement concluded.