John Kearney, CEO NCSE

Presentation on 'A world class inclusive education system: NCSE’s expansion and our vision for 2026'
Mr. John Kearney is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), having previous fulfilled a variety of posts in education. Prior to joining the NCSE in 2022, John was appointed Chief Executive of the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board in September 2016. John progressed the delivery of a multi-million Regional Capital Investment Programme having overseen significant increases in post primary enrolments. He has a wide-ranging wealth of experience in education developments at national level, having implemented ICT initiatives nationwide with the Department of Education and representing the sector on the Tertiary Education System (TES) Steering Committee. John has previously served as Education Officer with the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board and as Principal of Breifne College, Cavan Town. The Cork-born native joined County Cavan VEC in 2002 as school principal from his teaching position in St Colman’s College, Fermoy, Co Cork. John has a deep-rooted passion for special education and as leader of the NCSE is eager to continue developing effective stakeholder relationships in supporting the collective implementation of the vision, goals and strategy of an inclusive education system for children with special educational needs.