Keadue NS, a school in West Donegal, is offering €2,000 bursaries to families enrolling new students in an effort to boost dwindling numbers and prevent the loss of a teacher.
The unusual initiative comes as Keadue NS in Burtonport, a 122-year-old institution, faces potential staffing cuts if enrollment doesn’t rise.
The school, the only Irish-medium school in the locality, boasts notable alumni including former Ireland international goalkeeper and World Cup participant, Packie Bonner, and All-Ireland winner, Tony Boyle.
Principal Anne Marie Uí Icí, who also serves as one of the school’s two teachers, explained to Donegal Daily that a failure to increase the current student body from nine to eleven by September will result in the loss of a teaching position.
“We currently have nine pupils, but if we don’t reach 11 pupils by September 2nd, we will unfortunately lose one of our two teachers,” she stated.
“Consequently, we are offering a €2,000 bursary to the families of three new junior infant students who enroll from outside the school’s usual catchment area. Thanks to fundraising efforts by parents and teachers, as well as a generous €2,000 donation from an anonymous source, we are able to offer four bursaries in total.”
Ms. Uí Icí noted that the Board of Management understands that travel expenses may be a barrier for families residing further away, and the bursary aims to alleviate this concern.
Students enrolling in classes beyond junior infants may also be considered for a partial bursary, contingent on availability and individual circumstances.
“Our school was established in 1903, and we are deeply concerned about its future. We also have a Special Education Teacher (SAT) available for half the week. Losing one of our two full-time teachers due to low enrollment would be a significant blow,” she emphasized.
Keadue NS also provides a morning club starting at 8:20 a.m. and an after-school program managed by Comhar Naíonraí, which extends until 6:00 p.m. daily. This support system assists working families and enriches the educational experience for students.
To inquire about a bursary, please contact us via email at bursarysaac@gmail.com or by telephone at 0879664187.
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Donegal Gaeltacht school offers €2k bursaries to boost enrolment was last modified: July 10th, 2025 by
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