INTO: Class sizes even worse than OECD report shows

The state of Ireland's education system is worse than a recent report which showed that Ireland’s primary schools have bigger class sizes than almost every other developed country, the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) said today.

The OECD report, 'Education at a Glance 2009' stated that Irish primary schools have 24.5 pupils per class – second largest of the EU countries surveyed. On average, there are four more pupils in Irish classes than in other EU countries.

Only Britain has larger classes than Ireland in the EU, with one more pupil per class.

Reacting to the publication of the report, the INTO's incoming general secretary Sheila Nunan said the figures do not take into account increases in class sizes this month.

“The situation on the ground in schools is actually worse than the report suggests,” she said.

Ms Nunan said the survey showed the complete lack of progress in tackling Ireland’s overcrowded classes.

“In 1999, average class size stood at 25.6, so in one decade there has been a reduction of one pupil per class on average,” she said. “That shows the Government’s shocking lack of progress on this issue.”

“A decade ago the new primary school curriculum was introduced,” said Ms Nunan. “At the time, everyone knew smaller classes would be needed for it to be successful. These have not been delivered. Neither have class sizes been reduced enough to accommodate children with special needs and non-English speakers.”