Learn more about our organisation

About NAPD

Who We Are

The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals is the professional association for second level school leaders in Ireland. 

Our Mission

  • To provide a united voice for the organisations of Principals and Deputy Principals on issues of common concern

  • To ensure that Principals and Deputy Principals are treated as one of the “Education Partners” and are represented a of right on all relevant local and national bodies both statutory and non-statutory

  • To ensure that Principals and Deputy-Principals are consulted on all relevant matters and in particular on new initiatives which impinge on their role

  • To represent the views of Principals and Deputy Principals to all interested groups and relevant bodies

  • To provide support/advice for Principals and Deputy Principals through a secretariat.

NAPD is committed to the development of school leadership that is based upon philosophical and moral principles as well as professional skills.

A Warm Welcome

Anton O’Mahony, President

Welcome to our website which we hope will continue to be a great resource for our members.

Please use this website, along with the NAPD App for the most up-to-date guidance and support for school leaders. The Cuidiú Section has over 70 documents to support us in our role. If there is an area of support not currently covered, please get in touch with us so we can help!

NAPD supports the professional needs of School Leaders particularly as we are in a constantly changing and increasingly demanding educational landscape. Through these supports, the association strives to look after the health and wellbeing of Principals and Deputy Principals and represent their views at the highest levels.

To see positive leadership conversations trending online shows the power and potential influence of the voice of school leaders. We must use that voice. NAPD gives us that voice. We must harness the conversations started and continue to drive our agenda forward, that is one that supports school leaders across the entire country, across all sectors.

Ar aghaigh le chéile,

Anton O’Mahony, President

Paul Crone, Director

Welcome to our NAPD website. The website, coupled with the NAPD App is the ideal way to get the most up to date information out to members in the modern world. Information about and from the regions will help keep school leaders connected and supported. This along with our twitter and educational news feed help to keep members informed and up to date with the latest information and trends in Irish education. NAPD prides itself on being responsive to the needs of members and will continuously endeavour to improve our communications with our members and the wider public, your voice and views are vitally important to us to ensure the continued success of NAPD. We welcome your feedback and input so that we remain innovative and creative in supporting school leaders to fulfil their role and lead the learning in their schools.

We have endeavoured to present the information that you will need in a way that is easily accessible and relevant to current issues impacting on school leaders. I hope you can find what you need, I encourage you to download the NAPD App and to follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @NAPD_IE.

Ar aghaidh le cheile

Paul Crone, Director

What we offer our members

Explore the full benefits of being an NAPD Member.

  • The only professional association to represent all post-primary principals and deputy principals.

  • A major voice in Irish Education with The Department of Education and Skills, IPPN, Management Bodies, NCSE, NCCA, Teaching Council, Teacher Unions, College Awareness Week, BeLonGTo

  • Access to ARAG (formally DAS), the insurance company who provide Legal Advice and Legal Fees Indemnity.

  • Key Contributing partner with the Centre for School Leadership (CSL)

  • Mentoring through the NAPD Mentoring Group

  • Full Access to the Regional Ambassadors

  • Confidential Support Services

  • Pre-retirement advice and access to NAPD-Retired

  • Full Access to the NAPD Website, including Very Useful Guides and the monthly Bulletin.

  • Eligibility to attend the. Annual Conference and Regional Branch Meetings.

  • Dedicated specialist sub-committees and working groups, including Further Education & Training.

  • Access to Leading 4 Learning Workshops.

  • Access to arts-in-education funding through Creative Engagement.

  • Free quarterly journal - the NAPD Leader.

  • Discounts for NAPD Publications

Professional Learning

Events, Courses & Resources

Find Professional Learning courses, including our “Leading for Learning” Workshops - from beginner, returners to becoming a Leader of Learning.

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