merrion street

The Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, today formally launched the newly established Centre for School Leadership (CSL).

At the launch with the education partners in the Department’s offices, Minister O’Sullivan congratulated Mary Nihill on her appointment as Director of the Centre, together with Anna Mai Rooney and Máire Ní Bhróithe who have also been appointed as Deputy Directors.

In referencing the Government’s commitment to supporting leadership development, with an investment of almost €3m in the CSL over the next three years, the Minister spoke of the need to ensure that school leaders can access a rich programme of support which represents best value for public money.

It is intended that the CSL will become a centre of excellence for school leaders. The Centre’s responsibilities will cover the continuum of professional development for school leaders, from pre-appointment training and induction of newly appointed principals, to continuing professional development throughout careers.

The Centre is operating on a partnership basis between the Department of Education and Skills, the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN) and the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD). The partnership will have many benefits for the profession in terms of the quality of training programmes, coordination of provision, and increased accessibility.

Minister O’Sullivan said: “We all know that the quality of school leadership is a key determinant of school effectiveness and the achievement of good learning outcomes.” She again paid tribute to the IPPN and NAPD, stating that “this model also recognises the essential roles played by the two professional organisations in representing school leaders”.

She also acknowledged the work of Dr. Áine Lawlor, Chairperson of the CSL Steering Group and Clare Education Centre, where the CSL is based.