Gníomhach

Bunscoil

Máirt Aib 21 2026

Céad Beal 13 2026

Máirt MFómh 1 2026

Buan

Príomhshruth

Ingearach

Comhoideachas

Caitliceach

11

203

Tá

School Details
Status of Post: Permanent (subject to satisfactory completion of statutory probation period)
School Staffing: 1 Administrative principal; , 8 class teachers, 2 Special Needs teachers (F/T), 4.5 SNAs, 1 school secretary (p/t) 1 caretaker (p/t),2 cleaners(p/t).
School Website: https://gardenfieldns.scoilnet.ie/blog/about-us/


The Post of Principal
This is an Administrative Principal Position in Gardenfield NS/ Sc. Cheathrú na NGarrdhanta. A minimum of 5 years recognised teaching service, two of which must be in a recognised primary school within the Republic of Ireland, is a requirement for this post.
The school is a rural, co-educational school operating under the patronage of the Archdiocese of Tuam.
The roles and responsibilities of this post relate, in the first instance, to the four domains of leadership and management as specified in Looking at our Schools 2022: A Quality Framework for Primary Schools and Special Schools:

1. Leading teaching and learning
2. Managing the organization
3. Leading school development
4. Developing leadership capacity.

The successful candidate will ideally demonstrate:
● A clear and ambitious vision for high-quality teaching and learning;
● Proven leadership and management skills within a school or comparable setting, including the ability to prioritise, plan and organise workloads efficiently;
● Experience in school self-evaluation, policy development and school improvement planning;
● A strong commitment to inclusive and child-centred education;
● A track record in fostering positive behaviour;
● A commitment to the Catholic ethos of the school;
● Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills;
● A commitment to collaborative leadership and building positive relationships within the school and with the wider community;
● Evidence of ongoing commitment to professional development;
● Ability to manage a programme of minor and major capital works


School Culture
The school prioritises the well-being of each student and is there to support, encourage, motivate and assist everyone. High standards and expectations are set to match individual strengths and abilities. The school has a strong history of promoting extra-curricular activities and student engagement in the wider community. The new principal will be expected to build on this strong culture of community engagement and the development of a wide range of student interests and talents.
Gardenfield NS is, today, continuing its commitment to protecting and enhancing its environment and has been a Green School for more than 20 years.
Is mian linn ceannaire cumasach a earcú chun tógáil ar oidhreacht cháiliúil na scoile. Beidh sárscileanna cumarsáide, ceannaireachta, bainistíochta, teanga agus teicneolaíochta ag an té a cheapfar. Beidh fís láidir acu maidir leis an gcultúr gaelach, iad ag tógáil ar bhunchloch láidir.


School History
The school has operated at its present site since 1948, but the school operated at a nearby site as early as 1885. The old school building is still in use for a variety of community activities. L. B. Ó Reachtagáin was principal of the school from 1974 to 1996 and was succeeded by his daughter Áine Ui Bhré who is retiring as principal at the end of this school year. So, the school has had their dedicated leadership for over 50 years. Their vision, ambition and hard work ensured that the school numbers grew substantially over the period. Much has changed during their combined period of leadership including extensive capital development, supported strongly by the voluntary efforts of the school community. The history of the school is available at
http://gardenfieldns.blogspot.com


Additional Application Requirements
● Current mobile phone number and/or email address
● Referees -at least 2 (name, role, contact no.)
● The appointment is subject to the confirmation of qualifications, Teaching Council registration, Garda vetting, occupational health requirements, satisfactory references and Patron's approval.
● It is a requirement to hold a valid Statutory Declaration and to complete the Form of Undertaking for this position.
Three copies of your application documentation should be included in the envelope submitted by post, marked for the attention of Marion Coy, Chairperson of the Board of Management, by 3.00 pm on Wednesday 13th May 2026.


Please Note
Shortlisting will take place, and candidates must include a current mobile number and/or email address as this will be used to contact those being called for interview. Any form of canvassing by or on behalf of a candidate will disqualify that candidate. Any queries about this post should be made via email to marioncoy@gardenfieldns.com