Mayo school cap crisis: "We were not going to leave any parents stuck"

Sacred Heart School in Westport has confirmed it still has first-year places available for the coming academic year on a first-come, first-served basis, offering a potential solution for dozens of families left anxious after being placed on waiting lists elsewhere.

Acting Principal Kevin Malone said the school was determined to support local families during this difficult period.

"We're delighted that we were able to accommodate all that wished to enrol with us and that we have some spare places," Mr Malone said. "Everyone on the waiting list got offered a place. We still have a few more, so we've put that out there, just to try to alleviate any kind of concerns parents might have, or students indeed, that are looking for a place in Sacred Heart school or school in Westport."

The announcement comes after 72 children were placed on a waiting list at neighbouring Rice College, which received 216 applications for just 144 places. The situation has been described by parents as "absolutely horrendous" for the families affected, with children experiencing feelings of rejection from the process.

One child reportedly told their parents that "the school doesn't want me," highlighting the emotional toll on pre-teens navigating the transition to secondary school.

School cap controversy

The crisis stems from enrolment caps imposed on two of Westport's secondary schools. Rice College, which introduced co-education last year, was initially directed by the Department of Education to cap its intake at 100 students. Following negotiations, the Board of Management raised this to 144 places for 2026/27.

The school's popularity has surged since going co-ed, with 60 girls entering first year last year. However, this has created knock-on effects for neighbouring Sacred Heart School, whose first-year intake of students dropped from nearly 100 to just 34 students.

Sacred Heart School has traditionally been an all-girls school, and will welcome both male and female students for the first time this coming September.

Mr Malone emphasised that Sacred Heart has not changed its cap of 100 places and is committed to finding solutions for families.

"We were not going to leave any parents of our students stuck, you know, and if we have to go back to the department and fight for a place, extra places, we will absolutely do that," he said.

The school is also working to expand its facilities and offerings. "Once we get our new school, we will have woodwork as well," Mr Malone noted, referring to planned building projects on the school campus. 

Duplication complicating picture

The uncertainty has led families to apply to multiple schools, causing duplication across Westport's three secondary schools. With approximately 300 children in the catchment area due to start secondary school next year, and a combined total of 340 places available across Rice College, Sacred Heart and Sancta Maria, there should theoretically be sufficient capacity.

However, the panic created by the caps has resulted in all three schools becoming oversubscribed. Sancta Maria College, which offered 96 places this year, currently has a waiting list of 15 students.

Mr Malone confirmed that communication between Sacred Heart and Rice College was planned after Rice College's closing date, with schools able to collaborate under admissions policies to clarify the situation.

Department Response

In a statement, Rice College explained its position: "We in Rice College were directed by the Strategic Capacity Planning Department of Education and Youth to cap our incoming cohort at 100 students. The DEY maintained a total of 200 pupils are in our catchment area."

The Board of Management contested this figure, noting their research showed 294 students available to secondary schools in the region. The compromise figure of 144 was reached with support from the school's trustees, ERST.

"We genuinely feel disappointment for those who had their hearts set on Rice College for the next academic year," the school stated. "We have taken the phone calls and read the emails; we feel the frustrations and upset that is in our community."

The Department of Education said it was investing in substantial capital projects for both schools, with plans for new facilities to accommodate 600 pupils each, including special educational provision.

"The Department’s ongoing engagement with the patron bodies of the post-primary schools in Westport will ensure that there are sufficient post-primary school places across the two schools and to support the sustainable provision of high-quality post-primary education in the town."

Families face difficult choices

Parents told The Mayo News that there were audible gasps were heard at Rice College's information evening when families learned for the first time about the enrolment cap, with many questioning why their children had been invited to the school's open day if there wouldn't be enough places.

The fear of children being separated from friendship groups has been consistently raised, with one parent noting their child was the only one from their sports team not to get into the school.

Some families are now facing the prospect of sending children to schools in Louisburgh, Tourmakeady or Castlebar, with the cost of transport to Sancta Maria in Louisburgh reaching €850 per year per child.

As acceptance deadlines pass this week, a clearer picture should emerge. Sacred Heart School has reassured the community: "We will endeavour to provide a school place for all children in our catchment area. We would like to welcome you to join our vibrant school community."

The school is accepting applications through its online portal at https://shswestport.app.vsware.ie/application/start/