01 / Close to home
Learn where you live
Schools, centres and evening classes are spread across the county, from Athenry and Tuam to the Gaeltacht and the islands.
Services by placeCounty Galway Vocational Education Committee
Learning that stays with you.
For almost a century the Committee has opened doors to education across County Galway, from island schools and vocational colleges to adult literacy, guidance and outdoor learning.
Schools and collegesAdult and further educationGuidance and support
Start here
Tell us where you are and we will point you to the right door.
- I am looking for an adult course
- I want to return to learning
- I am a young person seeking a new path
- I need information about a school
Phone 091 874 260 or send an enquiry.
Three ways in
Every learner arrives by a different road
Whether you are choosing a school, changing direction or returning after years away, there is a place to begin. See the full service map.
02 / Skills for work
Build a qualification
Further education programmes, PLC courses and skills training help adults and school leavers take the next step with confidence.
Explore PLC courses03 / Support to stay
Bring someone with you
Guidance, advocacy and learning support are part of the service, not an extra. Ask early and we will help you plan.
Learner supportOur services
A wide door into public education
Twenty services, one countywide purpose: making learning available to the people of County Galway. Open the overview.
Adult and community educationEvening classes, community groups and English language support.
Adult literacyConfidential tuition in reading, writing, numeracy and digital skills.
Schools and collegesVocational schools and colleges across the county and islands.
VTOSEducation for adults seeking a fresh start and a qualification.
YouthreachLearning and training for young people who left school early.
Traveller educationSenior training centres for the Traveller community.
Back to Education InitiativeFlexible further education for adults returning to study.
PLC coursesPost Leaving Certificate study with progression routes.
Further education awardsHow national awards are quality assured and recorded.
Outdoor educationLearning in the landscape at Petersburg, near Clonbur.
Learner supportAdvocacy, tracking and community liaison.
Adult education guidanceFree guidance on courses, careers and next steps.
DEISDelivering equality of opportunity in schools.
Skills for workWorkplace learning and skills development.
Working with other institutionsShared programmes with health and community services.
PartnershipsStatutory, community and voluntary partners.
Irish language officerSupport for learning and working through Irish.
Youth officerYouth work development across the county.
Arts and cultureCreative learning and cultural projects.
All servicesSearch the county by place and programme.
Across the county
The county is our classroom
From the Shannon to the Atlantic, services are organised around the places people live. Find your area.
Notice board
Standing notices
Practical reminders for learners, families and staff. Open the notice board.
Check the grant route that applies to you
Student grant applications are handled nationally. The Committee can explain the options and help you gather the right documents.
Read the grants guidePlan school transport before term begins
Eligibility, routes and concessionary seats are managed through the national school transport scheme.
School transport informationBecome a volunteer tutor
Adult literacy schemes welcome people who can give a few hours each week to support another learner.
How tutoring worksThe Committee
Public education, held in trust for the county
The Committee was established in 1930 under the Vocational Education Act. Its administrative office has been at Cullairbaun, Athenry since 2004, and its work reaches from Portumna to the Aran Islands.
Vocational education began with practical classes in towns across County Galway. The same principle still shapes the service: learning should be useful, accessible and connected to the community it serves.
Good education, within reach of every community in County Galway.The Committee's purpose
An original illustration of the county, marking some of the towns where learning services are based.
Gaeilge
Foghlaim trí Ghaeilge
Tá leagan Gaeilge den láithreán seo ar fáil, agus tacaíocht Ghaeilge ar fáil trí Oifigeach Gaeilge an Choiste.
Irish is part of the everyday life of the county. The Committee supports learners, schools and community groups who want to learn, work or study through Irish.
- Bilingual information for learners and families
- Support for schools working through Irish
- Adult learning opportunities in the Gaeltacht
- Advice on Irish language rights and services
One conversation can change a plan
If you are unsure about a course, a grant, a school or a return to learning, start with the office. We will help you find the right person.