Supporting Young People Beyond the Classroom: A Conversation with IPPN

Educational underachievement remains a complex and persistent challenge. Too often, young people with real ability and potential do not get the opportunities or support they need to fully thrive.

At Citywise, we see every day that this is not just a classroom issue. It is a community one. It requires long-term, consistent support that goes beyond academics to focus on personal development, relationships and confidence.

Recently, our CEO, Daire Hennessy, joined Brian O’Doherty from IPPN (the Irish Primary Principals’ Network) to discuss these challenges and explore what is working on the ground.

Taking a Long-Term Approach

A central theme of the conversation was the importance of taking a long-term view. At Citywise, young people typically join from the age of eight and are supported right through to third-level education. This continuity allows for the development of strong relationships, trust and a sense of belonging.

As Daire shared during the discussion: “We’re trying to get young people in the door at a very early age, so age eight.”

This early engagement is key, but just as important is what keeps young people involved over time.

The Citywise Way

The conversation also explored “The Citywise Way”, a character-based, holistic model of youth development. This approach combines academic support, personal development, positive role models and leadership opportunities. It is about creating an environment where young people are supported not just to succeed in exams, but to grow in confidence, agency and ambition.

A key strength of the model is the presence of relatable role models, including many staff and volunteers who are past participants themselves. This creates a clear and visible pathway for young people, from joining the programme to potentially leading it in the future.

Working with Schools and Communities

Strong links with local primary schools are a key part of the Citywise model. By working alongside schools and engaging young people early, community-based organisations can support school leadership, reinforce positive habits and expectations, and create additional pathways for student development. This kind of collaboration helps ensure that young people are supported consistently across both school and community settings.

The Role of Community-Based Supports

The discussion also touched on the need for broader recognition of alternative and community-based supports in education. There is growing awareness that addressing educational disadvantage requires more than policy alone. It requires investment in long-term, relationship-driven approaches that operate within communities. Organisations like Citywise play a vital role in complementing the work of schools and helping to create more equitable outcomes for young people.

Listen to the Full Conversation

We are grateful to Brian O’Doherty and IPPN for the opportunity to share our experience and learn from the wider education community.

About IPPN

IPPN is the officially recognised professional network for leaders of Irish primary schools. It is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that provides resources, professional learning and peer support to strengthen school leadership. IPPN also advocates on behalf of school leaders, ensuring their perspectives shape education policy and practice. Learn more at https://www.ippn.ie