Report Highlights NI Education Deficiencies

A new report into Northern Ireland's education system has found that 9,000 pupils did not achieve the minimum requirements of five A* - C GCSEs in 2010-11.

The report by the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) examined ten primary and post-primary schools.

The study looked at literacy and numeracy standards and found that the level declined as students moved through the education system.

One in six pupils does not reach the expected standards in literacy and numeracy by the end of primary school, according to the report.

One in five pupils does not meet the required standards by Key Stage 3.

31.7% of pupils entitled to receive free school meals achieved the expected level at GCSE, compared to 65.1% not entitled. This shows a significant gap in performance with regards to social deprivation.

A bigger negative impact on achievement was observed in mainly Protestant schools than mainly Catholic schools.

Boys perform worse than girls at almost all levels, according to the report.

Education Minister John O'Dowd said work is still required to ensure young people meet their full potential.

"This report is an important reminder that, while progress has been made and while we have much to celebrate, there remains considerable work to be done to ensure that all of our young people achieve to their full potential," he said.

"The report confirms that our policies are on the right track and I am determined to ensure that we continue to take action, from the early years through to school leaving age, to support our children and young people on their learning journeys."

The Minister concluded: "Through high quality teaching and learning; effective leadership; and good links with parents and communities they are already making a difference to children’s lives. Our challenge is to become more effective at embedding and sharing this good practice across all schools for the benefit of all our young people."

(IT/GK)