Educate Together school delegates from across the country gathered at Ballinteer Educate Together National School (ETNS) on Saturday 9th May for the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), a flagship annual event celebrating the network’s commitment to equality, inclusion and democracy in action. The AGM served as a vital moment to reflect on the organisation’s progress, debate policy, and reimagine education for Ireland’s future.
2025 Annual Report
CEO Emer Nowlan, who was representing Educate Together at the National Convention on Education which took place the same day as the AGM, updated delegates via video link on the organisation’s 2025 Annual Report and progress under the Stronger Together strategic plan. The report highlighted continued growth, with more than 42,000 students now attending 118 Educate Together schools nationwide.
Emer also welcomed the results of the recent Department of Education and Youth’s 2025 Primary School Survey, which reached more than 200,000 households, and found that 40% of parents with children in religious-run primary schools would prefer a multi-denominational, equality-based school. This is despite 95% of schools remaining under denominational control. Emer described the findings as a major opportunity to expand school choice for families across Ireland.
Democracy in action: Reimagining Education
As a democratic, member-led organisation, Educate Together’s AGM provides a space for robust discussion and decision-making. Delegates debated and voted on a wide range of policy motions, which reflected the commitment of member schools to equity in education. Motions passed affirmed the right of children in autism classes to full, regulation-compliant spaces, and rejected temporary accommodation as an excuse for reduced standards. Members also called for hot school meals for all, with proper administrative support for principals, and for the inclusion of local school boards in lease negotiations before any finalisation.
A central feature of the day was the Reimagining Education session. Delegates gathered in small groups to discuss challenges and systemic barriers facing schools in delivering on Educate Together’s values of student participation and democracy, inclusion and equality, wellbeing, and sustainability. Key themes from these conversations were then brought back to the wider group for further discussion, and shared reflection across the network.
Chairperson’s address
Emma Lane-Spollen, Chair of Educate Together, reflected on the strength of the network’s democratic model in her address to members and guests in the public session of the AGM:
“I have the privilege of seeing across our schools the strength of our ethos in action. Schools where students are being given a genuine voice and agency. Schools that are navigating a system that is not always child-centred and are doing their utmost to act in the best interests of the child. Schools where the hard conversations are recognised as part of learning. Schools where difference is celebrated. Where creativity is encouraged. This gives me hope and encouragement; we in Educate Together have something very valuable in our ethos and how this finds expression in the way we work and educate, which we must nurture and spread.”
Emma went on to highlight the importance of member-led decision making, noting that the motions brought forward this year demonstrate the network’s collective ambition to remove barriers to inclusive education.
Student-led input
Students from Firhouse ETSS and Goatstown ETSS delivered presentations on their work as part of this year’s Second-Level Student Advisory Group. Their presentations explored exploitation in the global chocolate industry, and the importance of critically evaluating news and information shared through social media and AI platforms.
Thanking retiring leaders
The AGM paid tribute to Doris Abuchi-Ogbonda, who is stepping down from the board of directors today after six years of service. First elected to the board in 2020, Doris brought wide experience to her role, including in the legal, community development, youth work and child safeguarding fields. Delegates, board members and staff expressed their thanks to Doris for her time and contribution to Educate Together.
The organisation also extended its deepest gratitude to recently retired principals for their outstanding leadership and dedication. Their commitment and pioneering spirit have strengthened schools across the network and inspired countless staff and students. Wishes for a happy and well-deserved retirement were offered to former principals Cathy Lyons (Tullamore ETNS), Jonathan Browner (Goatstown ETSS), Aoife Kelly Gibson (Malahide Portmarnock ETSS), Paula Carolan (Thornleigh ETNS).
Looking ahead
The AGM closed with thanks to Ballinteer Educate Together NS for hosting, and to all the students for showcasing their work. Delegates affirmed that they are looking forward to taking the carried motions forward and working on them as a collective school network, with democracy in action remaining at the heart of everything Educate Together does.