Trinity College Study on Development of Post-Primary Schooling Launched

Posted on: 11 August 2008

A feasibility study, carried out by Trinity College’s School of Education, indicating strong parental support for the establishment of an Educate Together second-level school, was officially launched by Senator Ivana Bacik in July.

The study, the first of its kind in Ireland, was commissioned by Educate Together to assist the organisation in its decision making process. The Trinity research team included Dr David Limond, Dr Andrew Loxley and Dr Aidan Seery of Trinity’s School of Education and was assisted by PhD students Ms Ekaterina Kozina and Mr Mat Garrison.

The most significant and substantial element of the study reported on an empirical investigation into the factors that influenced parents/carers on their decision making with regard to choice of school. A total of 900 families with children at Educate Together schools were asked to participate in a survey and follow-up telephone interview designed to explore their attitudes and perceptions towards second level education of which 47% responded.  Of these, 9 out of 10 parents indicated that if the opportunity existed they would send their children to an Educate Together post-primary school.

The report also states that 97% of Educate Together parents said that their children were happy at school. In particular, parents were happy that their children were treated with courtesy and respect and they felt that Educate Together schools provide a balance between academic development and social well-being. It is this balance and respect that parents want to see carried through to second-level. The 150 page study also included an expert consultative workshop comprising senior second level administrators, which advised on the formation, management and day-to-day running of this kind of school.

There are currently 44 Educate Together primary schools in the Ireland and another 12 are due to open in September 2008, bringing the number of pupils attending its schools to nearly 10,000.