Parental school choice in post-secular Ireland: insights from Irish primary schools

The countervailing trends of secularisation and the emergence of diverse religious affiliations, due in part to upward trends in immigration, have raised many important questions for parents in Ireland when considering their child’s educational experience. In a highly denominational educational landscape, school choice is often limited, with many children attending schools that may not align with their family’s belief system. Understanding the educational preferences of a diverse demographic of parents regarding school choice can assist policymakers with the development of a more equitable educational system. This study draws on information gathered from parents across the four main types of primary schools in Ireland. This study sheds light on post-secular factors that influence parental preferences, and the challenges parents encounter when choosing primary schools. The findings of this study have policy implications as they highlight key factors that educational systems situated in pluralistic societies must consider.