Ireland’s Primary School Survey has been supported by a new set of official documents designed to help schools, boards of management and local communities understand the survey process and its results. Published by the Department of Education and Youth on 4 June 2026, the resource collection brings together practical guidance for primary schools across the country.
Primary School Survey guidance for principals and boards
The publication is aimed at school leaders and Boards of Management involved in communicating with their communities. It includes a department letter addressed to principals and board chairpersons, alongside documents explaining how schools can approach the information and discussions arising from the survey.
The guidance is particularly relevant to schools considering changes to their ethos, governance or teaching approach. It provides information on:
- Engaging with parents, pupils and the wider school community
- Understanding and communicating survey results
- The role of primary school Boards of Management
- Changing to teaching and learning through Irish
- Changing to a multi-denominational school
- Changing to a co-educational school
What the Primary School Survey documents contain
A summary of key information is included for readers who need a concise overview. Separate guidance explains how to interpret the results, helping schools ensure that discussions are based on the published findings rather than assumptions.
The resource pack also outlines the responsibilities of school boards and principals. This is important because any potential change in school provision requires careful consultation, clear communication and consideration of the needs of the local community.
Supporting informed school discussions
The Department of Education and Youth says the materials are intended to support engagement at school level. While the documents do not themselves announce a change to any individual school, they provide a framework for schools and communities assessing the information collected through the survey.
The publication may also be useful to families seeking to understand how decisions about primary education are discussed. Questions concerning language of instruction, school model, governance and co-education can have a direct impact on enrolment choices and the future development of local schools.
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Where to find the official Primary School Survey resources
The full publication is available through gov.ie. It contains the department correspondence, community engagement guidance, the Board of Management guide, change-of-school-model documents, a key-information summary and guidance on understanding the results.
The page was last updated on 22 September 2026. School leaders and board members should consult the official documents directly for the complete guidance and any current information before beginning local discussions.
Key takeaway
The Primary School Survey resource pack gives Irish primary schools a clearer basis for reviewing survey findings and engaging with their communities. By using the official guidance, principals, boards and families can approach conversations about school identity, language and co-education in a structured and informed way.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
