Luke Kelleher

Cultural Attitudes, Parental Aspirations, and Socioeconomic Influence on Post-Primary School Selection in Northern Ireland.

ABSTRACT This research considers implications of planned reform of the education system in Northern Ireland for school choice and travel behavior. The school system is currently segregated on the basis of religion and academic ability at age 11. Discrete Choice Models based on a Stated Preference experiment included in a program of parental surveys yielded insights into likely responses of parents to both current options and potential reforms. Surprisingly, most parents would not be adverse to the removal of religious segregation from schools while availability of free school transport is not a significant factor in the school choice process. Aspirations of academic quality are higher among more affluent parents.

School choice and travel patterns in Northern Ireland: economic, social, and environmental impacts of a complex system

The Northern Ireland government is implementing policy reforms to its education system. These reforms have generated much heated debate and division along political party lines. However, none of the controversy has addressed the implications of the current or potential arrangements for travel and sustainability. This paper considers the implications of the planned reform of the education system in Northern Ireland, some potential alternatives for school choice and travel behavior, and the financial, economic, and environmental impacts on society. The study is informed by in-depth household-based surveys that encompass school choice and travel patterns, attitudinal questions, and stated preference experiments. Northern Ireland offers an indication of the potential pitfalls other areas may encounter when emphasizing increased choice in education systems.