Invitation to tender: Research

Addressing Sustainability in the Northern Ireland Education System:  An Examination of Jointly Managed Community Schools and Cross-Sector Solutions

The IEF would like to invite tenders for the completion of research to explore cross-sector solutions to school provision in Northern Ireland, including the concept of Jointly Managed Community Schools proposed by the recent Independent Review of Education.

The purpose of this research project is to explore, identify, analyse and make recommendations regarding potential cross-sector school solutions in Northern Ireland, within the context of school sustainability challenges. The research will highlight potential challenges and benefits regarding identified cross-sector school solutions including, but not limited to, the context of community relations, budget and area planning. The project will also include the completion of a cost analysis related to the identified cross-sector options.

The objective of this research project is to:

• • Complete a review of relevant literature to date.
  • Carry out qualitative research to identify and analyse existing as well as other potential models for cross-sector and cross-community school solutions, within Northern Ireland and other relevant jurisdictions and contexts. This should include, but not be limited to, Jointly Managed Community Schools, Integrated schools, amalgamations of schools from different management types (e.g. Controlled and Catholic Maintained), hard and soft federations, Jointly Managed Church Schools, Shared Education Campuses, relevant practice in other jurisdictions and contexts etc., highlighting potential benefits and challenges for each including any possible legislative, financial and community relations implications. This could for instance involve desk research, interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders and school communities.
  • Carry out quantitative research to analyse potential cost implications and cost savings regarding each of the cross-sector school solutions identified, completing micro level financial modelling and making comparisons with cost estimations regarding the status quo of school provision in local area This could include, but is not limited to, staffing costs, facilities and maintenance, school sites/assets as well as educational costs, services and contracts.
  • Compare the different cross-sector school solutions identified, in light of the potential benefits and challenges as well as any cost/saving implications for local school provision.
  • Produce a detailed report outlining the research process, findings, conclusions and recommendations including an Executive Summary.
  • Produce a standalone Summary Report outlining an overview of background, methodology, key findings, conclusions and recommendations.
  • Deliver presentations on the research findings to the research Steering Group at agreed points during the project as well as at two events for key stakeholders following the completion of the research, as agreed with IEF and the research Steering Group

The respondent is encouraged to confirm whether it will be submitting a response to this Invitation to Tender  via email to jessica@ief.org.uk by 4pm Friday 3 October 2025.

Tenders should be emailed to jessica@ief.org.uk by 4pm on Wednesday 15 October 2025.

Please click below for full information on the tender.