Education sets Catholic primary admission policy, head confirms

THE head teacher of Notre Dame Primary School has moved to clarify that the admissions policy is set by the Education Department and not by the school.

The issue of whether non-Catholics should be allowed to attend Notre Dame or St Mary and St Michael Primary School was publicly debated over the summer following a Review Board hearing into the Education Department's decision to refuse admission to a child.

'The church's view is clear,' said Peter McGovern (pictured), writing in the school's newsletter.

'Catholic schools are open to all who share in its desire for a Christ-centred education.

'However, the Education Department controls admissions to Notre Dame and in line with its catchment area policy has decided that only children who have been baptised in "Roman Catholic" churches may be admitted to our school.'

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