Tá patrún agus eagraíocht bainistíochta ag gach scoil. Tá sainmhíniú ról agus dualgais patrúin in Éirinn leagtha síos i ndoiciméid agus achtanna dlíthiúil mar a leanas: Bunreacht na hÉireann, An tAcht Oideachais 1988, An tAcht Oideachais (Leas) 1988, Rialacha do scoileanna náisiúnta (1995), Comhdhéanamh na mBord agus na Rialacha Imeachta 2007.
Creideann An Foras Pátrúnachta go láidir mar phatrún agus eagraíocht bainistíochta ina misean maidir leis an nGaeilge agus creideamh. Is é sin moltaí, tacaíocht agus treoir a thabhairt do bhoird bainistíochta, príomhoidí, múinteoirí agus tuismitheoirí mar is gá le tacaíocht a thabhairt don éiteas, forbairt agus fás na scoileanna atá faoinár gcúram.
An Foras Pátrúnachta is the largest patron of Irish medium schools in Ireland at both primary and secondary level. There are 62 primary schools and 5 secondary schools under its patronage. An Foras Pátrúnachta is a patron of Irish-medium schools that have a choice of a Catholic, Multidenominational and Interdenominational (Catholic / Protestant) ethos.
An Foras Pátrúnachta was founded in 1993 so that new Gaelscoileanna opening in the coming years would have another choice with regard to patronage. The vision of An Foras Pátrúnachta is to develop, strengthen and promote education through the medium of Irish throughout the country. An Foras Pátrúnachta is recognized by the Department of Education and Science as a patronage system which is acceptable and appropriate for first and second level schools. Vision To develop, strengthen and promote education through the medium of Irish throughout the country.
Foras Pátrúnachta will be central to the promotion of education through the Irish language. Foras Pátrúnachta will serve the schools under our patronage at primary and secondary level efficiently and professionally.
As a patron, manager and educational organization, An Foras believes in its mission with regard to the Irish language and faith. That is, to give recommendations, assistance and direction to Boards, principals, teachers and parents as necessary and to support the ethos, development and growth of all schools under our care.