Preserving ethos: facilitating factors and barriers for implementing ethos in primary schools in the Republic of Ireland

ABSTRACT

The question of ethos has become increasingly prevalent in Irish primary schools as the demographics of the country have changed dramatically in recent years. However, little is known about the factors that influence the implementation of ethos across the numerous school types in Ireland. To address this gap in the research, this article focuses on the factors that impact the implementation of ethos in Irish schools and whether these factors vary based on location of the school. This multi-method study analyses data collected from eight primary schools, drawing on the perspectives of teachers, parents and school principals. The findings indicate that the positionality of all key actors within a school influences the implementation of the ethos. Furthermore, clarity achieved through training, support and leadership assists teachers to maintain the ethos of the school. This study has international relevance as it sheds light on adjustments schools can make to preserve ethos.

KEYWORDS:

• Ethos
• primary schools
• school identity
• religious education
• Ireland

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. This study is part of a wider project that collected data from pupils, parents, teachers, and school principals across 8 schools.

2. The Admissions Act (2018) ensures that minority faith schools, such as COI schools, can prioritise the enrolment of pupils from a Protestant background.