School principals to discuss exam reform today

School principals and deputy school principals are discussing reform of the Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert today.

The President of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) says there is widespread support from school management and teachers for the changes.

Mary Nihill said that she hopes there is a breakthrough in the current impasse over Junior Cycle reform.

"I think we're very much in favour of it," she said.

"Obviously there is concern among the two unions with regard as to how it is assessed, and hopefully that impasse will be worked through, and I think if that can happen, I think there is complete agreement among all of the partners - management and teachers and the Department [of Education] - around the need for a change in the curriculum."