We are delighted to share that Educate Together has been invited to participate in the National Convention on Education, a landmark initiative running from March to November 2026.
This is a historic opportunity for children, young people, parents, educators, and wider society to come together and help shape the future of Ireland’s education system for decades to come.
What is the National Convention on Education?
The Convention will bring together 150 people—including 30 children and young people—across four weekends. Together, they will explore what is working well in our schools, identify the challenges that need attention, and discuss the changes needed in the years ahead. The recommendations arising from the Convention will inform a new long-term strategy for education in Ireland.
As an organisation that has been campaigning for meaningful education reform for the past 50 years, we believe this process holds huge potential. It offers a vital opportunity to challenge inequalities in the current system and build support for the kind of inclusive, forward-looking change we know is possible.
Representing the Educate Together Community
Our CEO, Dr Emer Nowlan, will be representing Educate Together at the Convention. Drawing on our Charter, our core values, and the views and experiences of our member schools, Emer will ensure that the voices of our network are heard loud and clear.
Speaking about her involvement, Dr Emer Nowlan said:
“It is such an honour to represent Educate Together at the Convention on Education. Across our network, I see inspiring examples of inclusive, learner-centred and democratic practice every day – but I also see the challenges and systemic barriers that can hold schools back. This Convention is a unique opportunity to come together to explore those challenges, to look to the future, and to shape an education system that truly supports every child and young person in Ireland to reach their full potential.”
We look forward to keeping our community updated as this important work progresses. Together, we can help build an education system that lives up to the highest ideals of equality, inclusion, and excellence for all.