Ireland
Ireland Segment Summary
The Ireland segment focuses on how school leadership and wellbeing are being re-imagined so that leaders can flourish, small rural schools can be sustainably led, and students’ wellbeing is truly at the centre.
From “Surviving” to “Thriving” Leadership
The Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN) has focused on sustainable leadership, arguing that principals are drowning in administration and have too little time for their core purpose: leading teaching and learning.
Global Impact
Their research fed into the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024 on Leadership. The report’s recommendations—reduce admin, distribute leadership, avoid “lone hero” models—have helped push Irish policy to act.
Small Schools Action Research Project
A national pilot creating clusters of small schools (e.g., the Donegal cluster) to solve the admin burden for teaching principals.
The Solution: Executive Officers
Clusters share an Executive/Administrative Officer who handles procurement, audits, policy drafting, and compliance across several schools.
The Result
Early evidence shows reduced stress, fewer interruptions, better collaboration, and more time for teaching, planning, and professional dialogue.
Whole-School Wellbeing in Practice
Mary Mother of Hope Senior National School (West Dublin) shows what wellbeing “in action” looks like: a diverse, inclusive school with over 20 nationalities and strong support for pupils with additional needs.
Rich School Life
- Intercultural Week (“Many cultures, one community”) and Seachtain na Gaeilge.
- “Hot chocolate” check-ins for vulnerable pupils.
- Smartphone-free voluntary code for families.
Inclusive Frameworks
The school uses NCSE’s RELATE framework: a relational, neurodiversity-affirming approach that emphasises pupil voice, regulation first, and unconditional positive regard.
Women in Learning and Leadership (WILL)
Co-founded by Dr. Katherine Corbett and Rachel O’Connor, WILL is a free network of ~2,500 members supporting women in education.
Main Entities and References
Below are the main organizations and initiatives referenced in the Ireland segment.
ippn.ie Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) Main teachers’ union and project partner.
into.ie Catholic Primary School Management Association Partner in the small schools project.
cpsma.ie Mary Mother of Hope Senior National School Featured school for wellbeing in action.
hopens.ie