Some students 'being left behind'

A TWO-TIER education system has developed where some young people are buying an elitist education while disadvantaged students are being left behind, according to the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) president, Shiela Parsons.

She has hit out at the Government for funding private schools while leaving others with crowded classes, not enough teachers and without resources for children with special needs.

Addressing the ASTI annual conference in Ennis, Co Clare last night, Ms Parsons said: "It is worrying that money buys you an elitist education funded by the Government in a country which propounds egalitarian and republican sentiments."