Small schools are tightly woven into the fabric of rural life in Ireland. They foster belonging, achievement, and community engagement. Research shows that pupils in small schools often perform better and feel more connected.
The Small Schools Action Research Project, launched in 2021, has enabled collaboration between clusters of small schools and trialled innovative solutions. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong support for the role of the cluster administration officer.
The INTO is calling for the national expansion of the pilot from September 2026, including the appointment of cluster administration officers at executive officer grade. These roles provide vital administrative support, reduce the burden on principals, and allow teachers to focus on teaching and learning.
Cost: €6 million per year
