Danger of social gap in schools

THE danger of a wider social gap being forced between schools even if parents have greater choice needs to be avoided, the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector was told.

The point was made by a number of groups on the opening day of hearings by the forum’s advisory group.

Fr Michael Drumm of the Catholic Schools Partnership said that while the primary system is very vibrant, particularly in rural areas, some urban areas have the most stratified schools in Europe.