Funding gap of €108 per student

STUDENTS in religious-run schools are being disadvantaged by State funding of €108 less each than those in vocational and community schools, a conference heard last night.

Ferdia Kelly, general secretary of the Joint Managerial Body (JMB), revealed the gap to delegates of the organisation’s annual conference. It represents the school boards at the 400 voluntary secondary schools, mostly owned by religious orders and where more than half the country’s 450,000 second-level students are taught.

All 730 second-level schools receive a capitation grant of €316 for each student, from which voluntary secondary schools cover running costs. However, the schools in the vocational and community or comprehensive sectors have these costs paid for either directly by the Department of Education or are covered for insurance under the State Claims Agency.