Secondary schools fear teacher shortage in coming years

Secondary school principals are warning of a teacher shortage.

The group representing school heads, the NAPD, is predicting a 15% rise in new students starting secondary school in six years' time.

It is worried that there will not be the right balance between pupil numbers and teachers for the subjects that are in highest demand.

However, the director of the Teaching Council said the Department of Education is taking steps to address the issue.