IPPN conducts and commissions research to determine the nature and depth of the issues in primary education, particularly in relation to school leadership and management. The resulting research publications are used both to develop understanding of the issues, challenges and potential solutions among stakeholders, as well as to support school leaders directly in their work.

As part of the Sustainable Leadership project, IPPN conducted an analysis of the current reality of primary school leadership with a focus on:

• the extent of the workload of school leaders
• the nature and focus of that workload
• the impact on the sustainability of leadership roles
• the impact on the the health and wellbeing of school leaders

The findings of that research can be found in the following publications:

• Irish Principals’ and Deputy Principals’ Health and Wellbeing Research Final Report (2024)
• Primary School Leadership: The Case for Urgent Action – A Roadmap to Sustainability
• Sustainable Leadership Project – Progress Report November 2023
• Sustainable Leadership Project – Progress Report November 2024