Enabling student success is a key strategic priority of the National Forum. The National Forum understands student success as more than access, progression and completion rates. Helping students to achieve success and attain a quality educational experience is the responsibility of everyone in higher education.
In November 2019, the National Forum launched Ireland’s national understanding of student success, compiled in collaboration with a range of sectoral representatives. That shared understanding is:
In July 2025, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the National Forum published a major sectoral report, the Review of the Irish National Framework for Student Success in Higher Education, evaluating how this national understanding has been engaged with since its introduction. Informed by wide consultation and expert analysis, the review presents key recommendations for advancing student success across the sector and calls for a renewed, inclusive, and actionable approach that reflects the evolving needs of today’s students.
Since 2013, the National Forum has led a wide range of initiatives to support student success. A sectoral focus on Teaching for Transitions (2013–2015) provided key insights into how transition points can be effectively supported in higher education. Between 2016 and 2018, the Forum facilitated national conversations on assessment OF/FOR/AS learning and developed the national principles of assessment, which continue to support innovative, learner-oriented, and integrated approaches aligned with the complexity of higher education.
From 2019 to 2021, the Forum’s work focused on deepening sectoral understanding of student success across diverse contexts and stages of the student journey. This included developing the Seven Cs Toolkit, promoting the use of learning analytics and survey data, and sharing effective practice through partnerships and pilot initiatives.
Now operating under the aegis of the HEA, the National Forum continues to work in partnership with the sector to enable inclusive, student-centred teaching and learning environments where all students can thrive.
