Catholic Home Education Awards 2026

Catholic Home Education Awards Continue to Grow

More than 140 home-educated children from across the island of Ireland took part in the sixth annual Catholic Home Education Awards on 18 April 2026 in Ardee, Co. Louth. Around 180 parents, children, clergy, religious sisters, and supporters attended the event, organised by Knights of St. Columbanus Council 3.

Held for the second year in the larger parish centre in Ardee, the event has continued to grow in recent years. The awards were previously held in the convent, but the increasing number of entries and attendees meant a larger venue was needed.

The day began with Holy Mass, followed by a shared breakfast and the awards ceremony. Children were recognised for their achievements in Fine Art, Craft, Literature in both Gaeilge and English, and Music.

This year marked the first time that Fine Art and Craft were judged as separate categories, reflecting the growing number and variety of entries. Fine Art included drawing, painting, and sculpture, while Craft covered practical and creative work such as woodwork, sewing, model making, metalwork, and videography-based projects.

During the ceremony, families were able to see the children's work presented through images, readings, and recordings, allowing the creativity and effort of the young participants to be shared with everyone present. Entries were received from families across Ireland, including some who were unable to attend in person.

A colouring competition, judged on the day, was once again a favourite with the younger children. After lunch, Council 15 organised the annual sports competition, which brought the day to a lively close and saw enthusiastic participation from the children.

A number of Catholic and homeschooling organisations also hosted stalls during the day, giving families the opportunity to learn more about resources and programmes to support home education.

Stephen Tyrrell, one of the organisers, said:

“The awards are about recognising the hard work and talents of home-educated children, but also about bringing Catholic homeschooling families together. It is always encouraging to see the creativity, dedication, and friendships that grow through the day.”

The event, including breakfast and lunch, was provided entirely through donations and the generosity of volunteers and supporters, helping to ensure that every family could attend. Organisers also expressed their gratitude to the sisters at the convent in Ardee for their kindness and support, including accommodating organisers the night before, donating food, and assisting in many ways behind the scenes.

“Home-educating families across the island of Ireland receive very little support,” said Mr Tyrrell. “We want the day to remain open and accessible to everyone, so that no family feels excluded.”

Now in its sixth year, the Catholic Home Education Awards continue to provide an opportunity for children aged 4 to 17 to share their work and for families from across Ireland to come together in a supportive Catholic environment.