Secondary principals welcome restoration of middle-management posts

School principals have welcomed the restoration of middle-management posts that will see more promotional chances in second-level schools, writes Niall Murray, Education Correspondent.

The sanction for 1,300 assistant principal posts by Education Minister Richard Bruton will also ease pressure on principals and their deputies, but it comes after almost a decade of such promotions being banned.

School management will also get more flexibility in how the new posts are allocated, as rigid structures that sometimes suited staff more than educational needs are replaced. Principals will now be able to identify the areas of leadership that need strengthening and regularly review duties of assistant principals.