School councils were set up by the 1988 Education Act to decentralise the educational system in State schools, replacing parents’ asso­ciations and parent-teacher asso­ciations.

Each council is made up of:

• A president nominated by the Education Minister;

• A secretary/treasurer who is the school head;

• Three representatives elected by and from the teaching staff;

• Three representatives elected by and from the parents/guardians whose children attend the particular school. (In the case of post-16 students the three members are elected by and from the students.)

School councils are a forum where teachers and parents can work together for the benefit of the children and the school.

While school councils are not responsible for, and should not interfere in the teaching and maintenance of discipline in school, they are able to:

• Administer specific funds and assets of the school;

• Discuss the school environment and the amenities and propose ways in which they could be improved;

• Discuss the curriculum and the educational services offered by the school and make suggestions to the Department of Education regarding changes or additions to the curriculum;

• Discuss and monitor environmental, transport or other problems;

• Organise fundraising activities as well as educational and cultural activities for students and parents;

• Enter into contact with local councils and enterprises regarding educational, vocational or cultural co-operation;

• Work to increase parents’ participation and contibution to school activities and discuss how parents may practically help in the educational, material and physical aspects of the school.