This qualitative research study focuses on the development of citizenship education in one particular primary school by exploring the views and experiences of the whole school community - pupils, teachers and parents on citizenship and education. The first part of this study explores the various philosophical theories which lie behind citizenship as a concept and, later, examines the interconnectedness of citizenship, democracy and education from a theoretical perspective. The second part of this thesis is a case study analysis of the understandings, perceptions and experiences of one particular primary school community of the development of citizenship education. The findings of the participatory sessions carried out with the children and the one-to-one interviews conducted with the teachers and parents on issues related to the development of citizenship education are analysed in the context of the literature reviewed. The outcomes of the study are presented and some recommendations for the successful development of citizenship education in terms of practice, policy and research are proposed