School leadership is both professionally challenging and personally rewarding. The Irish Primary Principals' Network (IPPN) was established in 1999 to address school leaders’ professional needs.

PROFESSIONAL BODY

IPPN is the professional body for the leaders of Irish primary schools. It is an independent, not-for-profit voluntary association with a local, regional and national presence.

Recognised by the Minister for Education as an official Education Partner, IPPN works with the Department of Education and Skills (DES), the National Parents’ Council, management bodies, unions, education agencies, academic institutions and children’s charities towards the advancement of primary education. IPPN articulates the collective knowledge and professional experience of over 6,400 Principals and Deputy Principals who lead Ireland’s 3,200+ primary schools.

STRUCTURE

IPPN’s key focus from the beginning has been to support principals and deputy principals at local and county level and to represent their views nationally. Principals and Deputy Principals participate in local professional support groups. IPPN facilitates 26 County Networks, which elect two members to form IPPN’s National Council. The Council elects a President, and officers who form the Board of Directors.

In 2015, IPPN collaborated with the DES and the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) to found and oversee the Centre for School Leadership, which is responsible for the development of CPD programmes for current and aspiring school leaders.

IPPN is a member of the International Confederation of Principals (ICP) and works closely with NAPD and the Ontario Principals’ Council (OPC). These links play an important role in our research and pursuit of best international practice.

As a registered charity, IPPN complies with the requirements of the Charities Act 2009.