8.7 Key messages

■There was a gradual change in profile of the patronage of primary and post-primary schools between

September 2016 and December 2020; the voluntary nature of boards of management continued to create challenges.

■Inspection findings show that clear communication practices and strong cultures of collaboration lie

at the heart of effective schools, but they need further development in a minority of schools.

■Self-reflection and self-evaluation practices have evolved; systematic approaches are not yet fully

established or embedded in many schools and settings across all sectors.

■Effective leaders and managers communicate well and demonstrate a strong commitment to

improving the quality of provision for learners.