Unions Concerned Over 'Stressed' Schools

Teaching Unions have expressed corncerns after an audit revealed that many schools are struggling.

Figures released by the Department of Education have revealed that 84% of secondary schools and 50% of primary schools are facing challenges in three key areas.

John O’Dowd, Minister for Education, commissioned the audit of primary and post-primary schools to ascertain the levels of stress schools were experiencing in three areas – quality of education provision, stable enrolments and financial viability.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said the statistics could be misinterpreted.

Takling to the BBC he said: “My fear is that in publishing this information and in showing the schools that are under stress and highlighting them in red, is that parents may misinterpret this and think that a school is going to close when it's not going to close and maybe react with voting with their feet."

In the primary sector 390 schools out of a total of 839 are evidencing stress in at least one category – that is 46.5% of all primary schools.

Similarly, in the post-primary sector 124 out of a total of 148 secondary schools - that is 83.8% of schools are evidencing some degree of stress. The grammar sector is not immune to stress, with 24 out of 68 (35%) evidencing stress in one or more areas.

Mr O’Dowd said: "The overall picture is a serious one and it confirms the need to move quickly on the area plans and to put in place the network of viable and sustainable schools that will deliver high quality education for all pupils. There are a number of schools, both primary and post primary, that are evidencing stress in one or more area."

(LB/GK)