Schools ‘biased’ against some pupils

CHILDREN in Limerick are being prevented from entering secondary schools because they are from disadvantaged backgrounds, it was claimed yesterday.

More than 30 families have complained to the Department of Education that their children have not been offered places in local second level schools. There are 53 sixth-class pupils, mostly boys from disadvantaged areas of Limerick’s northside including Moyross, who have been refused enrolment at a handful of schools around the city. A small number who were without a place a month ago have been accommodated, but others have also been turned away since then.

The Department of Education said it has so far received 15 appeals against decisions by secondary schools not to enrol children applying for places next September. A spokesperson said they have also received complaints from the parents of a further 16 pupils, who are expected to submit formal appeals.