Project IRIS (Inclusive Research in Irish Schools) is a four year longitudinal study into special educational needs provision across the Republic of Ireland. As part of this project the research team has constructed case studies around schools and individual pupils in order to interrogate policy, provision, experiences and outcomes in relation to the services provided. This paper presents a model of comparative case study development based upon the work of Charles Ragin that enabled researchers to make fair comparisons between schools taking account of a range of variables. The presenters suggest that the approach developed enables an understanding to be gained of commonalities and exceptionalities that provide insights into current approaches to managing special education in Ireland