Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a national survey that examined the
extent of implementation of Health Promoting Schools (HPS) in Ireland.
Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative research design was adopted. A questionnaire
was administered to all post-primary schools in the country (n 704). Data were analysed with the
support of the software packages, SPSS and MaxQDA.
Findings – A response rate of 56 per cent (n394) was achieved. Over half of these schools
(56 per cent) self-identified as health promoting. Schools reported success in the areas of environment and
curriculum and learning, however, partnerships and policy and planning required more attention. Some models
of good practice emerged from the data but these were in the minority. Many schools, when asked to describe
health promotion in their school, placed emphasis on physical health (diet and exercise) and curriculum
predominately rather than the broader whole school conceptualisation. Only 35 per cent of HPS schools had a
team supporting HPS developments. Only 36 per cent identified the existence of a school policy to support HPS.
This suggests that further coherence for sustained and comprehensive implementation of HPS is necessary.
Research limitations/implications – The research was conducted with school staff, in the first
instance who self-reported their school’s level of HPS engagement.
Originality/value – This paper offers the first national baseline data available in relation to
engagement in HPS in Ireland. It provides a valuable starting point from which further research with
schools in this field can be conducted.