Your Community, Your College

 

 

Under the patronage of County Dublin VEC, Community Colleges form an essential part of life and living throughout their local communities. 

 

Our educational ethos is one of total inclusivity and mutual respect in the formation of life skills which enable young people to meet their full potential in society.

  

We have a heritage of expertise and experience in community based education spanning some 80 years of service throughout County Dublin.  Our schools have evolved constantly to offer an educational experience which is reflective of modern day needs and changes in society.  

 

Our teachers are skilled in the delivery of an all round education which meets the personal and career development needs of young people.

 

As student centred secondary schools, our community colleges believe in partnership, accountability, transparency, inclusion and respect for diversity, parental choice and equality. 

 

Community Colleges empower students, teachers and parents collectively to achieve educational progress in a positive and encouraging atmosphere.  This extends into the built environment where new schools are designed to contribute to the overall achievement of a high quality education experience.

 
County Dublin VEC – A World of Education in Your Local Community

 

The Minister for Education & Skills, Ruairi Quinn, T.D, announced in 2011 that 14 new post-primary schools are to be established in Ireland over the next six years. County Dublin VEC will seek to establish new Community Colleges to meet the second level education needs of communities in the following areas (below). 

 

1) Lusk (Opening 2013) 
2) Mulhuddart (Opening 2014)
3) Blanchardstown West (Opening 2014)
4) Dundrum - Gaelcholaiste an Phiarsaigh (Opening 2014)
5) Balbriggan - Gaelcholaiste Baile Brigin (Opening 2014)

If you live in one of these areas,  if you have children who are due to enter school in the next few years, and if you would like to see a Community College established in your area, then you need to Express your interest in a Community College for your area !!

 

County Dublin VEC are currently patron of 26 Community Colleges in County Dublin. Click here to view information on  Our Community Colleges !

 

 

 What is a School Patron?

 
The school patron has responsibility for:
 
  • The appointment and support of a Board of Management that reflects the requirements and interests of the local community surrounding the school.
 
  • Defining and supporting the school’s characteristic spirit (ethos)
 
  • Oversight of management, financial, administration and legal matters (the running of the school)
 
  • Supervision of staff appointments in accordance with Department of Education & Skills regulations.
 
The patron of a school must be approved by the Minister for Education & Skills. The patron is the representative of the owners of a school and can be an individual or group, a Board of Trustees or a limited company.
 
Why should the VEC be appointed patron of a new Community College in my area?
 
We are a leading provider of high quality education and personal life skills development. We will welcome your interest in our Community Colleges and we will look forward to serving you, your children and your community in the years ahead.
 
VECs are democratic, transparent and openly accountable. They are State run bodies with decades of experience in the education of young people and adults. 
 
The VECs provide modern, high quality State run second level schools and colleges.
 
The patron must be fully accountable to the community it serves and to the Department of Education & Skills). County Dublin VEC is a statutory body and our role and responsibilities are defined by legislation.
 
The VEC and its Boards of Management have a holistic approach to education which is based on partnership, inclusion, accessibility and respect for diversity, parental choice and equality.
 
Our Community Colleges have a strong community focus. They welcome children from throughout the local community.
 
Community Colleges are the right choice for your child’s education, personal growth, wellbeing and future skills development for life and living in modern Ireland.