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Boarding Scholarships to the Aran Islands

The Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs funds up to ten accommodation packages each year to give second level students living on the mainland outside of a Gaeltacht area the opportunity to attend Colaiste Naomh Eoin on Inis Meain.

The students reside with local families on Inis Meáin for the academic year. The Irish language is the mother tongue in these local family friendly accommodations and the students get an insight into the Irish language spoken in its purest form. They reside with the family for the year, returning home every weekend should they wish to and for annual holidays.

The students register with the local secondary school, Coláiste Naomh Eoin, an educational setting where a wide range of subjects are offered and taught through the medium of Irish. In addition to the acquisition of the Irish language, there are excellent educational opportunities to be enjoyed from these scholarships. Coláiste Naomh Eoin is a small school, with a very high teacher-pupil ratio, which ensures that every student reaches their educational potential. The teaching staff is composed of vibrant, dynamic and highly-qualified members. There is a good rapport and mutual respect between the teachers and the students, which guarantees an atmosphere conducive to learning. The teachers supervise evening study periods in order for students to complete home work and study in a comfortable, quiet setting.

The Mná Tí, who assumes the "Loco Parentis" role, caters for the wellbeing of the student or students residing with them outside of normal school hours. Every member of the host family aged 18 years or above has been Garda vetted to ensure appropriate standards of health and safety for the students are maintained. Inis Meáin is a safe and beautiful island preserved by time and tradition. It is a place where learning is encouraged naturally, due to the unique remoteness and freedom from modern living.

There are a limited number of free boarding packages available. Application forms are available to download from the school website link below. Alternatively, remote area boarding grants which covers the full amount of the boarding packages are also available for those living at least 3 miles from a second level school or 2 miles from a pick up point to a second level Gaelscoil .

To effectively accommodate the high level of applications, private packages of a similar nature are being offered at a cost of €4,500 per annum. This exceptional fee covers all educational and accommodation costs (including meals). The fee can be paid in two installments, one at the start of the school year and the second in January.

Specialised Oral Irish & French/German language camps will be on offer for transition year students who wish to attend Coláiste Naomh Eoin for a school term during the next academic year. Packages priced at €1600 which includes study packs and accommodation

Further information: www.colaistenaomheoin.ie

or contact Mairéad 087 7775567 / Geraldine 086 3460792