Deis school grinds programme could be replicated nationally

The programme will ultimately compare Junior Cert and Leaving Cert results but also student self-sufficiency, resilience, self-confidence and career ambition before and after the programme, based on questionnaires completed before, during and after completion.

Those behind a new programme in which more than 600 students from 21 Deis schools are receiving additional support in certain subjects believe the project could be replicated around the country.

The Power2Progress programme is halfway through a two-year cycle, with students completing fifth year and now moving into sixth year, effectively receiving the equivalent of grinds in certain subjects from student teachers working out of University College Dublin.