Fee-paying schools may be affected by proposals to be unveiled in the next budget that could see class sizes increase for next year, as part of changes to teaching resources.

The Irish Times reports that there will be a two-point increase in the staffing schedule for private secondary schools, which will result in there being one member of staff for every 22 students.

It could also result in the loss of teaching posts at fee-paying establishments, while the 26,000 youngsters in this system may face higher tuition costs, the news provider stated.

More than 530 million euros of government funding has been offered to private schools over the last five years, covering grants for computer equipment and building projects, although education Minister Ruairi Quinn has ended support for capital investment since coming to office.

The new proposals, however, are likely to anger many private schools, particularly smaller Protestant institutions outside Dublin that are already facing significant financial pressure, the newspaper stated.

Elsewhere, general secretary of the Irish National Teachers Organisation Sheila Nunan has warned increasing class sizes at primary school level will be a major barrier to improving the country's literacy standards.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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