Laois Principal achieves his lifelong ambition

PORTLAOISE Institute Principal Keith McClearn has recently achieved a significant milestone in his academic and professional career when he was awarded an Educational Doctorate (EdD) in School Leadership from Dublin City University.

The Galway native has been Principal at Portlaoise Institute since April 2023. Prior to that he was the Deputy Principal at Portlaoise College and taught in both the UK and Ireland for 12 years.

He gained qualifications from University College Galway, Sheffield Hallam University and Trinity College Dublin.

Under his stewardship as Principal of Portlaoise Institute it has seen record numbers enrolled over the last two years, with over 500 students now enrolled. 

There has also been a large investment in facilities such as three new computer rooms, a new hairdressing salon and an expansion to a second campus to facilitate the growth in numbers at the institute.

Speaking on his achievement Mr McClearn said: “I would like to thank the staff and management of the Laois and Offaly Education Training Board for their support over the last four years. The organisation has always been a steadfast champion of staff development and I have received every possible encouragement and support from them.” 

He said: “Achieving a doctorate has been a lifelong ambition of mine. My chosen research topic focused on empowering and encouraging school leaders, an area I am deeply passionate about and one that aligns with the values we hold at Portlaoise Institute. Leadership in education is essential to creating environments where both staff and students can excel, and I am committed to fostering that spirit of leadership within our college.”