About
PEACEPLUS ASPIRE (Advancing Shared Partnerships through Inclusive Relationships in Education) is an exciting, shared education initiative, which is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
The project will run until 2028 and aims to foster peace, reconciliation and collaboration through shared education.
PEACEPLUS ASPIRE connects schools and pre-school settings across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The programme brings together children from diverse backgrounds to promote mutual understanding, respect, and inclusivity. By embedding shared education from a young age, PEACEPLUS ASPIRE seeks to create a society where differences are celebrated.
PEACEPLUS ASPIRE is a collaboration between the Education Authority Northern Ireland (lead partner), Léargas, Early Years, National Childhood Network and Fermanagh Trust.
Latest News
Keep up to date with the latest news from PEACEPLUS ASPIRE here.
The importance of collaboration and partnership working
A focus on peacebuilding, reconciliation and inclusion will help improve educational outcomes and result in children and young people growing and developing in a diverse, shared society.
The focus of the overall project is on achieving educational, societal and economic benefits. The project will also focus on the use of digital technology to enhance partnership working and the development of professional learning programmes.
What is Shared Education?
Shared Education is described as the organisation and delivery of education together of learners from different religious beliefs, and those of different socio-economic status.
Shared Education delivers opportunities for children and young people from different communities, as well as social and economic backgrounds, to learn together on a regular and sustained basis, for both social and educational benefits.
See video explainer here created by Education Authority Northern Ireland.
Opportunities to participate
- PEACEPLUS ASPIRE is open to primary and post-primary schools in Northern Ireland and the border counties (Louth, Monaghan, Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan and Sligo).
- Schools must identify between one and three other schools to work in partnership with for the school year, delivering 30 hours of shared education to funded pupils.
- These partnerships must be schools that are geographically close together and which represent diverse student populations.
- If you do not have an identified partner school with a diverse student population you can still express your interest in taking part and we at Léargas along with our partners in Education Authority Northern Ireland will seek to identify relevant partnerships.
- Schools who were part of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE 2024/25 and/or CASE are eligible to apply.
- Schools must demonstrate a commitment to peace and reconciliation and community engagement.
- Schools must demonstrate the capacity to monitor and report on project progress, including financial reporting.
- Schools will work in partnership to develop and deliver 30 hours of shared education that integrates curriculum, school policy and school improvement. This is implemented with the aim of promoting peace and reconciliation, inclusion and community engagement. Partner schools will work together to maximise resources, share expertise and build sustainable relationships.
- Schools will receive €150 per funded pupil (up to a maximum of 80 pupils per school) and 7 days substitution cover to support the implementation of their PEACEPLUS ASPIRE action plan.
- PEACEPLUS ASPIRE will provide educators with professional learning opportunities in participating schools. This will be on the areas of digital innovation, leadership for shared education, and controversial issues.
- Participating schools will benefit from ongoing support from the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Team from application to final reporting.
- Applications are now closed for the 2025/26 academic year.
Resources
If your school is participating in Strand 1: Pupil Engagement, we have developed some resources that are useful for carrying out and monitoring your shared education project.
- Shared education session plan – PEACEPLUS ASPIRE
- Pupil Tracker:
- Budget Tracker:
- PEACEPLUS ASPIRE logo – transparent
(for use on white backgrounds) - PEACEPLUS ASPIRE logo – standard
(for use on all backgrounds) - Final Report 2024/25
- Digital Signature & Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Instructions (TrustPro)
- Pre-Survey Infographic (with survey links)
Newsletters
PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks: Learning Across Communities
Series Synopsis
PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks, is an inspiring podcast series, developed in collaboration with EATV, which shines a light on the transformative work happening across schools and pre-school settings through the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE programme. Led by the Education Authority alongside Léargas, Early Years – the organisation for young children, the National Childhood Network, and the Fermanagh Trust the project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). PEACEPLUS ASPIRE brings together educators, children, young people and communities to foster good relations, promote peace, and empower the next generation to build a more cohesive and prosperous society. With over 482 schools and pre-school settings and more than 24,000 children and young people already involved, this is a series about real change, told in the voices of those making it happen. Whether you are an educator, parent, policymaker, or simply interested in positive change, PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks offers stories, strategies, and inspiration to help all of us build better, more connected communities through education.
Audio versions are available on the streaming platforms Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts
Series Themes
- Collaboration Across Communities: Showcasing how shared education breaks down barriers and fosters understanding.
- Innovation in Learning: Exploring digital tools, outdoor education, and creative approaches that transform teaching and learning.
- Leadership and Empowerment: Highlighting the role of educators and students as ambassadors for peace and inclusion.
- Celebrating Diversity: Embracing cultural, linguistic, and community diversity as strengths in education.
- Building a Legacy: Focusing on long-term impact – making connections that last far beyond the classroom.
Episode 1 - Clare Evans & Bernie Pentony: Collaboration, digital learning and the future of inclusive education
Episode 2 - Keith Williamson & Celeste McEvoy: How PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Ambassadors Lead Together in inspiring Shared Education through Creativity, Culture, and Community
Episode 3 - Malachaí Ó hAgáin: Magherafelt's PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Schools Fostering Shared Education, Irish Language, and Community Inclusion
Episode 4 - Evie Hunter: Building Digital Skills through Shared Education (Groggan Primary School)
Episode 5 - Joe Boyle and Howard Welch: How Shared Education in Raphoe, Co.Donegal, is Strengthening Connections and Inspiring Inclusion
Episode 5 - Roisin Reid and Julie Gorman: Embracing Outdoor Learning in Shared Education
Partners
Education Authority
The Education Authority is responsible for the provision and delivery of education and youth services in Northern Ireland. It has led a range of shared education programmes across the island of Ireland, promoting inclusion, collaboration and mutual respect among children from diverse backgrounds.
.jpg?width=124&height=83&name=Early+Years+Colour+Logo+(4).jpg)
Early Years
Early Years is the largest organisation in Northern Ireland working with and for young children. It has led cross-border partnerships across multiple PEACE and INTERREG Programmes over the last 20 years.
National Childhood Network (NCN)
NCN is a community voluntary organisation that supports and enhances the provision of childhood services and associated social inclusion projects. NCN is based in County Monaghan and has extensive experience of designing and delivering cross-border projects that support peace and reconciliation across the island of Ireland.
Fermanagh Trust
The Fermanagh Trust is an independent community-based foundation which supports local communities and groups across County Fermanagh and the surrounding area. The Trust has played a key role in a range of shared education projects and launched the Rural Centre for Shared Education in 2015.
PEACEPLUS ASPIRE is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). More information on SEUPB is available here: http://www.seupb.eu/
Contact us
Get in touch with the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Team at Léargas if you have any questions, need support, or if your school would like to get involved. We’d love to hear from you and explore how we can work together to create meaningful opportunities for shared education in your school and community.
Get in touch with us by email at peaceplusaspire@leargas.ie
Meet the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Team at Léargas