Second-level principals will benefit shortly from a new manual which has been compiled to help them deal with a wide range of school practices.

is aimed at the principals of community and comprehensive schools and the boards of management. It consists of general information and guidance.

There are sections on annual leave, expulsion, fire drill, fund raising, incremental salary forms, class size, detention, defamation, drugs, job sharing, jury service and juvenile liaison service. It is published by the Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools.

The manual has been compiled by a sub-committee of the ACCS which worked closely with officials from the Department of Education and Science. It places school management in the context of the Education Act 1998, teacher union agreements, circular letters, deeds of trust and other relevant legislation.

The first comprehensive school was established in 1966 and the first community school in 1972. Their establishment marked the introduction of formal management structures for second-level schools in Ireland and a huge change in management practices in second-level schools.