Invitation to tender

The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) would like to invite your organisation to tender for the carrying out of research which will explore, analyse, draw conclusions and make recommendations regarding parental choice and preference in relation to education in Northern Ireland.

Background

Parental choice and preference are key features of the education system in Northern Ireland. The current research project will aim to complete a detailed analysis of these concepts, with a particular focus on Integrated Education. The terms choice and preference are both interlinked with terms such as demand, desire for, support for, inclination for, aspirations for and it would arguably be useful to consider these together. A distinction could also be made between ‘choice’ and the act of ‘choosing’. A range of studies, documents and reviews have directly or indirectly dealt with the topic of parental choice and education in Northern Ireland. The current research project should be completed within the context of these, providing a qualitative and in-depth analysis to further develop this subject area.

Purpose & Objectives

Despite a wide range of studies and reports on themes related to parental choice/preference and education in Northern Ireland, there remains a lack of qualitative information and data on parents’ views and their reasons for particular school choices and preferences in relation to their children.

The purpose of this research Project is to explore, analyse, draw conclusions and make recommendations regarding parental choice/preference and education in Northern Ireland, providing in-depth analysis of the different factors that influence parents’ preferences and their choice of school for their children.

The objective of this research Project is to:

• Complete a literature review exploring parental choice/preference regarding education in Northern Ireland, with a focus on Integrated schools. This should include an analysis of relevant concepts, interlinkages and influences, including parental ‘choice’, ‘preference’ and ‘demand’.
• Using qualitative and quantitative methodologies, as appropriate, identify and analyse the factors that influence parental choice and preference regarding different school types in Northern Ireland, including Integrated schools. Proposed methodologies could include interviews, focus groups and surveys but other suggestions are welcomed.
• Produce a detailed report outlining the research process, findings, conclusions and recommendations, including an Executive Summary.
• Deliver presentations on the research findings to the research Steering Group in relation to the Final report as well as at two events for key stakeholders following the completion of the research, as agreed with IEF and the research Steering Group.

Expected project cost: Up to a maximum of £12,500 inclusive of VAT.

Respondents are encouraged to confirm whether they will be submitting a response to this ITT via email to jessica@ief.org.uk by 4pm Tuesday 17 February 2026.

Tenders should be emailed to jessica@ief.org.uk by 4pm on Monday 02 March 2026.