A qualitative study of ethos and identity within Controlled Schools that have a majority protestant student Intake

The overarching aim of this study is to elucidate understanding of the ethos and identity of Controlled schools with a majority Protestant student intake via a qualitative line of enquiry. In the context of policy and key debates, this area of research is timely, as on the 1st September 2016, the Controlled Schools’ Support Council was established, in which the development and maintenance of ethos is listed as a core focus.

It is also relevant with respect to the paucity of research on the Controlled sector as a whole. <br><br>This study adopts an interpretivist-social constructionist approach in which Donnelly’s (2000) ‘three dimensions of ethos,’ Critical Theory, Organisational Identity Theory and Cognitive Role Theory serve as a complimentary conceptual lens. The research employs a qualitative research design with a purposive sample of ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders.’ Semi-structured interviews are the primary data collection tool, supplemented by docent interviews (inspired by Chang 2017) and documentary analysis.