Scoil Mhuire, Greenhill is first Tipperary School awarded for LGBTQ+ inclusion

Scoil Mhuire, Greenhill in County Tipperary is the first to be awarded the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark for their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. The post-primary school recently finished an 18-month journey embedding LGBTQ+ inclusion across their people, policies and practices.  

The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark is run by Belong To, Ireland’s national LGBTQ+ youth organisation. Students, teachers and principals from 37 schools came together to receive their award at a celebratory event at The Foundry, Google Headquarters in Dublin. The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark initiative is a holistic approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion in post-primary schools that involves the whole school community.  

Over the course of 18 months, schools are supported in implementing evidence-based actions across a number of key areas, which research shows improves the wellbeing and safety of LGBTQ+ students. The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark was created with support from Google.org. 

Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia remain a significant challenge for LGBTQ+ students. In Ireland, 76% of LGBTQ+ second-level students feel unsafe at school. The schools involved in the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark have worked tirelessly to create an environment where all students feel safe and supported.  

Speaking at the event, Jack Chambers (he/him), Minister of State and TD for Dublin West, said: “I am delighted to join students, teachers and principals from schools across Ireland as they receive their LGBTQ+ Quality Mark today. Belong To’s LGBTQ+ Quality Mark recognises the importance of schools being places where members of the LGBTQ+ community can feel safe and supported. 

“We know that a supportive school environment can have a hugely beneficial impact on the wellbeing and attainment of LGBTQ+ students. Together, we need to address the anti-LGBTQ+ stigma and discrimination that remains prevalent in our society. 

“The Government is committed to ensuring the safety, equality and inclusion of all students, including our LGBTQ+ students, by creating safe, supportive and inclusive school environments for all.” 

Mary O’Keeffe (she/her) Principal of Scoil Mhuire said: “Scoil Mhuire became involved in the Quality Mark Programme to commit to an inclusive and safe school environment for all and to raise levels of awareness and education among all members of our school community. We have seen positive improvement in awareness, environment and practice and hope to continue to support all of our school members into the future.” 

Moninne Griffith (she/her), CEO, Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland said:“School can be a difficult place for LGBTQ+ students, but that does not have to be the case. There are outstanding schools committed to creating safe and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ students – including Scoil Mhuire in Tipperary. The positive impact of inclusion and visibility allows students to live healthy lives and thrive at school.

“Today is about celebrating Scoil Mhuire who has shown leadership and outstanding commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion through participation in the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark. I want to thank the entire school community and, in particular, recognise the incredible efforts of the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark Coordinator and School Principal.

“Thank you for showing up for LGBTQ+ students and for demonstrating commitment, courage and leadership. Congratulations to Scoil Mhuire for leading the way in Tipperary and being one of the first schools in Ireland to receive the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark!” 

Speaking at the event David Sneddon (he/him), Vice President, Google Ireland said: "Google Ireland and Google.org are immensely proud to support Belong To's outstanding work on LGBTQ+ inclusion within Ireland's education system. With the support of a Google.org grant, Belong To's LGBTQ+ Quality Mark initiative has empowered incredible schools across Ireland and demonstrates the far-reaching impact of placing inclusion at the core of education. We congratulate this year's ‘graduates’ and wish those currently taking part in the programme the best of luck.”  

The following schools are recipients of the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark in February 2024: 

• Bandon Grammar School, Co.Cork 

• Carndonagh Community School, Co.Donegal  

• Colaiste Chill Mhantain, Co.Wicklow 

• Clonturk Community College, Co.Dublin 

• Coláiste Dhúlaigh Post Primary,  Co.Dublin 

• Colaiste Gleann Lí, Co.Kerry 

• Coláiste Pobail Naomh Mhuire, Co.Cork 

• Cork Educate Together Secondary School, Co.Cork 

• Curragh Community College, Co.Kildare 

• Holy Child Community School, Co.Dublin 

• Kingswood Community College, Co.Dublin 

• Kinsale Community School, Co.Cork 

• Loreto Crumlin, Co.Dublin  

• Maria Immaculata Community College, Co.Cork 

• Marino College, Co.Dublin 

• Mercy College Coolock, Co.Dublin 

• Moville Community College, Co.Donegal 

• Naas Community College, Co.Kildare 

• North Monastery Secondary School, Co.Cork 

• North Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School, Co.Wicklow 

• O'Carolan College, Co.Meath 

• Patrician Academy, Co.Cork  

• Piper's Hill College, Co.Kildare 

• Roscommon Community College, Co.Roscommon 

• Scoil Mhuire, Co.Tipperary 

• St. Aloysius School, Co.Cork 

• St. Attracta's Community School, Co.Sligo 

• St. Benildus College, Co.Dublin  

• St. Farnan's Post Primary School, Co.Kildare 

• St. Joseph's Secondary School / Mercy Rochfortbridge, Co.Westmeath  

• St. Mogue's College, Co.Cavan 

• St. Peter's College, Meath  

• St. Paul’s Secondary School, Co.Dublin 

• Sutton Park School, Co.Dublin  

• Tyndall College, Co.Carlow 

• Villiers School, Co.Limerick  

• Wesley College, Co.Dublin 

The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark provides a comprehensive approach to developing an LGBTQ+ safe and supportive school that includes: 

• Ensuring that staff are equipped to support LGBTQ+ students. 

• Creating a supportive, LGBTQ+ inclusive school culture and environment. 

• Encouraging students to share their opinions and ideas on how to create a safe and supportive school. 

• Developing and implementing effective school policies and plans. 

• Implementing a curriculum that supports diversity and respect. 

• Working with parents, community organisations and other local LGBTQ+ youth projects or groups to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion.