The Creative Schools initiative gives opportunities for children and young people to build their artistic and creative skills. Each of the 141 schools taking part will receive a grant and work with a professional Creative Associate who will support them to develop and implement their own bespoke Creative School Plan over a two-year period.

"Creative Schools puts the arts and creativity at the heart of children’s and young people’s lives."

The 141 new Creative Schools comprise:

97 new primary schools

25 post-primary schools

4 special schools 

10 Youthreach centres 

5 Schools in alternative settings

Joining the programme this year are five schools in alternative settings that cater for young people with severe emotional and behavioural challenges. St Paul’s YEP, Dublin, St Laurence O’Toole’s Special School, Dublin, Henrietta Street School, Dublin, St Kevin’s School, Cork, and St Augustine’s Special School, Limerick will join the programme and receive enhanced supports.

Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, said:

“We extend a warm welcome to the 141 new schools joining Creative Schools. The demand nationwide is a testament to the programme’s impact, and we’re excited even more schools in Ireland are now part of this creative journey. Collaborating with our partners in the Department of Education, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, as well as Creative Ireland, we anticipate another school year filled with creativity, consultation, and exploration.”

Norma Foley TD, Minister for Education, said:

“I am pleased to see that 141 new schools and centres are now joining the Creative Schools programme. Creative Schools puts the arts and creativity at the heart of children’s and young people’s lives. Over 970 schools and Youthreach centres have been invited to participate since it was set up in 2018. We are increasingly embedding the arts into the education system, which includes the development of a new subject – Drama, Film and Theatre Studies – which will commence in schools in 2025.”

Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, said:

“I am thrilled to see the continued success of the Creative Schools initiative and warmly welcome the 141 new schools and centres. Since 2018, Creative Schools has been a testament to the pivotal role creativity plays for children and young people across Ireland, in their education and for their school communities. I hope that the Creative Schools initiative continues to flourish and empower our young people as these new schools and centres embark on the programme.”