Schools told to submit timetables after guidance cuts

All second-level schools have been reminded to submit their teacher timetables days after concerns emerged that students may be losing out as schools try to limit the effect of cuts to guidance counselling.

The Department of Education said it was surprised and concerned last week at unconfirmed reports that a small number of second-level schools were sending some students home early or timetabling study periods instead of taught classes.

It said compliance with the requirement that students receive 28 hours of teaching a week was examined during inspections at hundreds of schools eachyear.