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.

The department appoints an appeals committee to look at such cases, which may result in schools being asked to accommodate pupils.

But Labour Party education spokesperson Jan O’Sullivan said the department should establish from schools whether they have room for these children or not. “They should certainly go through the regular appeals process, but the department should get information from schools and force them to take the students if they have the space,” she said.

“I believe that at least one second level school is discriminating against these children because of where they come from, which is totally unacceptable and uncaring,” said Ms O’Sullivan. The Joint Managerial Body (JMB), representing boards of voluntary secondary schools, said the demand for places in some Limerick schools exceeds their capacity.

“I don’t believe any school would discriminate against any child. That may be the perception because some pupils do not have a place for next September, but it is not the reality,” said JMB general secretary George O’Callaghan.

Part of the problem may have arisen when some children only applied to attend one school but it was too late to apply for another when they were turned down.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is working with the families and local second level schools to secure places for the children. “We are hopeful of finding places for all the children involved,” said NEWB regional manager Dan O’Shea.