5. Conclusions

Transferable policy practices

• Compulsory training for future heads
• Compulsory head and deputy head networks and teacher networks to facilitate good professional development and sharing of good practices.
• Support groups for heads.
• Increased collaboration between education institutions and authorities.
• Bridging the gap between primary and post-primary education: easing the transition for students.
• Developing common anti-bullying and health and safety policies to ensure safe environments for students and staff.
• Creation of student support teams (doctors, nurses, psychologists etc.) within schools, resources permitting. 

We would highly recommend to teachers and school administrators the idea of a Study Visit, professionally organised and  with a well-defined theme. While the Internet has facilitated networking without travel, it is clear that the development ofprofessional  relationships is an essentail pre-requisite to successful outcomes.