Childcare & Schools in Kerry

Raising a family in Kerry means access to excellent childcare, early years supports, and a diverse range of schools in welcoming communities throughout the county. Whether you’re planning for your child’s first steps or looking ahead to their future education, Kerry provides a nurturing, well-connected environment where families can grow and thrive.

Childcare in Kerry – From Baby to Preschool

Kerry offers a wide variety of childcare services that meet the needs of modern families, from full-day care to part-time and sessional care:

• Crèches, community childcare services, playgroups, and Montessori settings
• Options for babies, toddlers, and preschool-aged children
• Services supported through the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), helping families access affordable, high-quality care
• Childcare providers located across towns, villages and rural communities throughout the county

The Kerry County Childcare Committee (KCCC) is your first point of contact for all things childcare – whether you're a parent, provider or early years student. Part of a national network, KCCC works to support and develop local childcare services, guided by First 5 – A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and Their Families (2019–2028).

KCCC also helps families navigate childcare options, schemes and entitlements, ensuring children get the best possible start in life.

Primary School Options in Kerry

Kerry is home to a diverse and inclusive network of primary schools, offering parents real choice in how and where their children are educated. School types across the county include:

• Catholic schools
• Community National Schools
• Educate Together schools (multi-denominational and inclusive)
• Gaelscoileanna – Irish-language schools promoting bilingualism from an early age

All schools focus on nurturing the individual child, with an emphasis on well-rounded learning, creativity, inclusion and community engagement.

Secondary Schools & Further Education

The transition from primary to secondary is well supported in Kerry, with a strong network of secondary schools offering varied curricula, extracurricular activities and career guidance services. These include:

• Voluntary secondary schools
• Community and comprehensive schools
• Educate Together and Gaelcholáistí options

For students continuing their journey, Munster Technological University (MTU), Kerry College and Kerry ETB provides access to higher education right in the heart of the county – offering degree and postgraduate programmes, apprenticeships and lifelong learning opportunities.