Menu
19/02/2013
Report Highlights NI Education Deficiencies
A new report into Northern Ireland's education system has found that 9,000 pupils did not achieve the minimum requirements of five A* - C GCSEs in 2010-11.
The report by the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) examined ten primary and post-primary schools.
The study looked at literacy and numeracy standards and found that the level declined as students moved through the education system.
One in six pupils does not reach the expected standards in literacy and numeracy by the end of primary school, according to the report.
One in five pupils does not meet the required standards by Key Stage 3.
31.7% of pupils entitled to receive free school meals achieved the expected level at GCSE, compared to 65.1% not entitled. This shows a significant gap in performance with regards to social deprivation.
A bigger negative impact on achievement was observed in mainly Protestant schools than mainly Catholic schools.
Boys perform worse than girls at almost all levels, according to the report.
Education Minister John O'Dowd said work is still required to ensure young people meet their full potential.
"This report is an important reminder that, while progress has been made and while we have much to celebrate, there remains considerable work to be done to ensure that all of our young people achieve to their full potential," he said.
"The report confirms that our policies are on the right track and I am determined to ensure that we continue to take action, from the early years through to school leaving age, to support our children and young people on their learning journeys."
The Minister concluded: "Through high quality teaching and learning; effective leadership; and good links with parents and communities they are already making a difference to children’s lives. Our challenge is to become more effective at embedding and sharing this good practice across all schools for the benefit of all our young people."
(IT/GK)
The report by the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) examined ten primary and post-primary schools.
The study looked at literacy and numeracy standards and found that the level declined as students moved through the education system.
One in six pupils does not reach the expected standards in literacy and numeracy by the end of primary school, according to the report.
One in five pupils does not meet the required standards by Key Stage 3.
31.7% of pupils entitled to receive free school meals achieved the expected level at GCSE, compared to 65.1% not entitled. This shows a significant gap in performance with regards to social deprivation.
A bigger negative impact on achievement was observed in mainly Protestant schools than mainly Catholic schools.
Boys perform worse than girls at almost all levels, according to the report.
Education Minister John O'Dowd said work is still required to ensure young people meet their full potential.
"This report is an important reminder that, while progress has been made and while we have much to celebrate, there remains considerable work to be done to ensure that all of our young people achieve to their full potential," he said.
"The report confirms that our policies are on the right track and I am determined to ensure that we continue to take action, from the early years through to school leaving age, to support our children and young people on their learning journeys."
The Minister concluded: "Through high quality teaching and learning; effective leadership; and good links with parents and communities they are already making a difference to children’s lives. Our challenge is to become more effective at embedding and sharing this good practice across all schools for the benefit of all our young people."
(IT/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 November 2024
PSNI Expands Child Protection Campaign To Belfast
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has expanded its 'Operation Makesafe' campaign to Belfast. The initiative aims to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and empower communities to protect children.
PSNI Expands Child Protection Campaign To Belfast
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has expanded its 'Operation Makesafe' campaign to Belfast. The initiative aims to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and empower communities to protect children.
07 September 2016
NI Primary Schools Free To Prepare Pupils For Transfer Test
Primary schools in Northern Ireland are now free to prepare pupils for unregulated transfer tests. Education Minister Peter Weir reversed his decision which means schools can now support their pupils by supplying support materials and carry out preparation for tests during core teaching hours.
NI Primary Schools Free To Prepare Pupils For Transfer Test
Primary schools in Northern Ireland are now free to prepare pupils for unregulated transfer tests. Education Minister Peter Weir reversed his decision which means schools can now support their pupils by supplying support materials and carry out preparation for tests during core teaching hours.
10 May 2010
Rushmere Set for Africa Day Event
A shopping centre in Co Armagh is to host a fundraising event this weekend, in aid of its Uganda Schools Project.
Rushmere Set for Africa Day Event
A shopping centre in Co Armagh is to host a fundraising event this weekend, in aid of its Uganda Schools Project.
13 November 2024
NI Schools Estate Faces Funding Challenge: Audit Office Report
A new report from the Northern Ireland Audit Office has revealed that the region's schools' estate, while a valuable asset, faces significant challenges due to funding constraints. The report highlights the need for substantial repair and upgrade work to bring many school buildings up to modern safety, accessibility, and functionality standards.
NI Schools Estate Faces Funding Challenge: Audit Office Report
A new report from the Northern Ireland Audit Office has revealed that the region's schools' estate, while a valuable asset, faces significant challenges due to funding constraints. The report highlights the need for substantial repair and upgrade work to bring many school buildings up to modern safety, accessibility, and functionality standards.
17 October 2012
NI Education Still Leaving Pupils Behind
Northern Ireland’s education system is working, but is still leaving too many pupils behind. This was the conclusion of Noelle Buick, Chief Inspector of the Education and Training Inspectorate, in her biennial report for the period 2010-12.
NI Education Still Leaving Pupils Behind
Northern Ireland’s education system is working, but is still leaving too many pupils behind. This was the conclusion of Noelle Buick, Chief Inspector of the Education and Training Inspectorate, in her biennial report for the period 2010-12.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
