HEA Publish Strategic Review of National Framework for Student Success
By Maura O'Shea
Posted: 24 July, 2025
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has today published the Review of the Irish National Framework for Student Success in Higher Education. This strategic report provides a sector-informed evaluation of how higher education institutions (HEIs) have engaged with the 2019 Framework and sets out clear, action-focused recommendations to guide the next phase of student success across the sector.
Commissioned in line with the HEA’s Corporate Strategic Plan 2023–26, the review draws on a wide-ranging consultation with inputs from students, institutional leaders, and sectoral stakeholders. It calls for a renewed sector-wide understanding of student success that is inclusive, student-informed and integrated into institutional strategies and daily practices.
The review identifies three strategic themes to guide the next phase of student success in Irish higher education:
Understanding Student Success
The report emphasises that student success extends beyond academic attainment. It encompasses mental well-being, personal growth, leadership development, and readiness for a changing society and job market. The HEA and HEIs are called upon to articulate a sector-wide understanding of student success that reflects student-defined goals, institutional context and broader social outcomes.
Strategies for Student Success
While commitment is evident across the sector, many institutions have yet to implement formal student success strategies. The report recommends that all HEIs establish and maintain clear strategies aligned with the Framework, informed by student aspirations and lifecycle data.
Capacity Building
The HEA is urged to lead on sector-wide capacity building, including support for data literacy, sharing of good practices, and the strategic use of analytics and emerging AI tools. The review also identifies key systemic pressures that impact student success, such as the student accommodation pressures, employment demands and mental health needs.
Professor Katherine O’Donnell, Chair of the Expert Group, noted:
“We were deeply encouraged by the depth of reflection and enthusiasm across the sector. There is a real opportunity now to align institutional strategies with the lived realities of students, recognising success in all its complexity and richness.”
Commenting on the publication, Dr Ross Woods, Senior Manager, Teaching and Learning, Student Success, Health and Wellbeing at the HEA, said:
“This review highlights the importance of student involvement in defining what success in higher education means. The HEA looks forward to working with students and other sectoral stakeholders to address the recommendations of the Expert Group.”
“Work is also underway on a new National Teaching and Learning Strategy, due later this year, which will further strengthen the sector’s commitment to high-quality, student-centred education.”
HEA CEO Dr. Alan Wall welcomed the report of the review, saying:
“This review sets out a clear and ambitious agenda for supporting students not only to succeed academically, but to thrive as individuals and citizens. The HEA is committed to working with the sector to ensure that this shared vision is embedded in institutional planning, practice and culture.”
This review builds on the original 2019 Framework for Student Success and the Seven Cs Toolkit, developed by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (now part of the HEA). It reflects and builds on the HEA’s statutory responsibility to promote student engagement and success, acknowledging the growing demand for holistic, inclusive, and responsive educational experiences.
The report was formally launched during the 2025 Student Union Training programme (SUT 2025), hosted by AMLÉ (Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn) and held at the University of Galway, where the HEA delivered a session with sabbatical officers from Students’ Unions across Ireland.
The full report is available to download here.
