The Provision of Research Services on School Governance
National research examining school governance across primary, special and post-primary education in Ireland.
- Service
- Research
- Commissioned by
- Department of Education and Youth (DEY), Ireland
About the project
EduRelate is undertaking a major national research project for the Department of Education and Youth examining school governance across primary, special and post-primary education in Ireland. The study reflects the complexity and diversity of the Irish governance landscape, including different patronage, management and governance arrangements, and considers how governance structures operate at school, sector and wider system levels.
The research combines detailed mapping of the Irish governance system, a rapid literature review, extensive stakeholder engagement across Ireland, national webinars and workshops, and international comparative analysis. Engagement with school leaders, board members, patrons, management bodies, representative organisations, system leaders and other stakeholders is providing insight into both the strengths of existing arrangements and the challenges experienced across different parts of the system. A notable feature of the work has been the strong willingness of stakeholders to engage with the research and contribute perspectives on how governance and supporting structures might develop in the future.
The final report will synthesise evidence from across these strands to provide the Department with a comprehensive assessment of the current governance landscape, international learning, and evidence-informed findings to support future policy development and system improvement.