Perception of Education and Training Board (ETB) schools in the Republic of Ireland: an issue of ideology and inclusion

Education and training board (ETB) schools, previously called Vocational schools, were established in the Republic of Ireland in 1930. At the time of their genesis, these schools were initially prevented from offering students a pathway to upper secondary/university, leading to them being viewed as 'second-rate'. Drawing on interviews with school personnel (n = 43) across 18 schools and ETB Education/Chief Executive Officers (n = 8), this paper explores participants' views regarding the perception of ETB schools within the community. Participants in 10 schools believed that a negative perception of ETB schools persists, exacerbated by between-school competition. This perceived negative view is due to (1) ideological differences between the type of education valued versus the offerings of ETBs (2) perceived negative attitudes towards the inclusive/diverse nature of ETBs. Evidence emerged that minorities are becoming 'ghettoized' within certain ETBs. Based on the findings, we problematise legislation that supports parental choice, leading to increased segregation and between-school competition.