‘League tables give distorted view of schools’ performance’

TEACHER and parent organisations have criticised the latest school league tables which have highlighted how students from fee-paying schools dominated new entrants to universities last autumn.

Figures show seven out of the top 10 feeder schools for Trinity College Dublin were fee-paying establishments.

A similar league table published before Christmas revealed that fee-paying schools accounted for nine out of the top 10 schools for entry to UCD in 2004.

However, the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) yesterday objected to the publication of such tables on the basis they only provided a crude picture of a school’s achievements.

ASTI acting general secretary John White claimed the narrow focus on exam results which resulted from such tables was damaging to the education system.

The ASTI claims schools which accept students with learning disabilities were less likely to feature in such league tables as schools that sought to attract “high fliers and achievers.”

The tables failed to take into account the size of schools or the fact that 25% of all Leaving Cert students don’t go on to university.

The ASTI’s opposition to the league tables is also supported by the post-primary division of the National Parents Council.

NPC president, Eleanor Petrie, said the publication of such tables was “crazy” as they only highlighted one specific aspect of a school.