75% of parents prepared to get grinds for primary pupils

MORE than three-quarters of Irish parents would be prepared to get grinds for their primary school children if they felt their academic performance was slipping, a survey has shown.

There has been growing concern in this country at the steep rise in grinds usage at Junior and Leaving Certificate level. However, grinds at primary school level are still rare.

The research from Irish Life shows that three out of four parents believe the Irish state education system provides value for money. Yet, half of Irish people say they would be happy to pay to have their children educated privately — if it meant better exam results. Private secondary school fees cost from €3,000-€7,000 a year.