Sharon Heron
Director of Education, Training, and Community Practice, Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland.
Post-primary schools and Youthreach centres across Ireland are working to support young people’s wellbeing and create positive, respectful and inclusive environments. The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark recognises this and partners with school leaders to build on it in a structured, practical way.
Aligned with Bí Cineálta and the Department of Education’s Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice, the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark supports post-primary schools and centres to strengthen practice, fostering a stronger sense of belonging for all. The initiative is designed to complement existing priorities.
Progress that benefits everyone
Over 18 months, participating post-primary schools and centres are supported to identify strengths, reflect on current practice, and take manageable steps forward. The focus is on steady, meaningful progress that enhances the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ young people, while supporting a school environment where every community member can feel they belong. The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark is built around four key areas of wellbeing: Culture and Environment, Curriculum (Teaching and Learning), Policy and Planning, and Relationships and Partnerships.
Principals and staff value this opportunity to reflect as a leadership team, build staff confidence, and engage the wider school and centre community in a shared process.
“The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark has enabled our school to explore policies and practices by providing effective CPD for staff and establishing an in-school allies group for students. Being involved in this Belong To initiative has created the time and space for members of the school community to engage in this valuable process of school improvement.”
– Principal, Killorglin Community College, Kerry
Register your interest for the next cohort today — [email protected]
