The modern and post-modern world has tried to explain the factors that lead to effective schooling. The school effectiveness (SE) movement investigates the characteristics of effective schools and how these characteristics may lead to improved pupil achievement. This study investigates the factors that contribute to effective schooling in Cypriot primary schools according to teachers, parents and pupils perspectives. In addition this research investigated people’s attitudes towards the understanding of school effectiveness and school improvement. In the first part of the study 165 teachers, 166 parents and 188 pupils took part. The data was collected using questionnaires. In the second part of the study 5 teachers, 5 parents and 7 pupils were interviewed and an in depth investigation was made about the questionnaire findings and the factors that contribute to effective schooling. The study’s findings explore implications for school improvement and development as well as for policy issues.