Bernard J. Durkan
Question:41 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education whether there are classes in national or second level schools with a pupil/teacher ratio of more than 25:1; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
There were 8,602 classes in national schools with more than 29 pupils in the 1992/93 academic year. Statistics are not available for the number of classes with more than 25 pupils. However, the following statistics show the number of classes at primary level in various size bands for the 1992/93 academic year;
|
Class Size |
Number of Classes |
|
0 to 19 |
1,352 |
|
20 to 29 |
7,801 |
|
30 to 39 |
8,382 |
|
40 and over |
220 |
|
Total |
17,755 |
The organisation of classes within a primary school is a matter for the Principal teacher. My Department operates guidelines for maximum class sizes. The current guidelines are:
39 (in the case of a single-grade class-group);
38. (in the case of a class-group with two consecutive grades);
35. (in the case of a multi-grade class-group) and
28. (in the case of one-teacher schools with more than four standards).
These guidelines for single-grade, dual-grade and multi-grade class groups are to be improved with effect from 1 September, 1994. The improvements will mean a 2 unit reducation in each of these guidelines. I am also introducing for the first time a new guideline of 29 in infant standards in designated schools serving areas of disadvantage.
The currentde facto pupil teacher ratio in second-level schools, having regard to total enrolment and the total number of teachers, is approximately 17.4:1. This position will improve in 1994-95 as a result of:
(a) the allocation of additional teaching resources arising from the implementation of the provision in theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress in relation to ex-quota guidance and vice-principal posts, and
(b) the allocation of additional disadvantaged and remedial posts outlined in theProgramme for Competitiveness and Work.
Class size within the post-primary sector varies depending on the subject choice of pupils within individual schools. There are more than 25 pupils in some classes while in others the number of pupils is significantly less than that.