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19/09/2023
SDLP Calls For More To Be Done To Help NI Students
The SDLP has called for increased North-South collaboration after an Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) report found Ireland's university admissions systems were disadvantaging students from the North.
According to the ESRI report, students from the South made up 2.4% of students in NI while students from NI made up only 0.6% of students in the South.
Calling for more to be done to help NI student study in the South, SDLP Higher Education Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin, said: "We all have a clear interest in minimising the barriers that young people face in accessing the higher education institution of their choice and ensuring that the doors of all our universities are open to students from every part of the island. We should be making it as easy as possible for young people who want to study across Ireland to do so, especially at a time when Northern Ireland exports an entire university worth of students to Britain each and every year.
"However, this report makes clear the significant challenges that prospective students in the North face when applying to third-level courses in the South. There is clearly much more work to do if we are to enhance cross-border mobility and break down the barriers that our young people face when it comes to pursuing a university education across the border.
"Addressing these challenges will require coordinated and focused efforts from the Irish government, particularly when it comes to addressing the financial support needed for students and funding levels for the higher education sector, as well as the housing shortage. However, it will also require interventions from our own Executive Departments in the North. For example, there is an opportunity for the Department for the Economy to ensure that all our young people receive comprehensive careers guidance which is inclusive of the options available in the South.
"Moreover, this report clearly adds further evidence to the case for increased teaching of modern foreign languages and for the lifting of the cap on student numbers here in Northern Ireland. These are all issues for a restored Executive to urgently address."
According to the ESRI report, students from the South made up 2.4% of students in NI while students from NI made up only 0.6% of students in the South.
Calling for more to be done to help NI student study in the South, SDLP Higher Education Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin, said: "We all have a clear interest in minimising the barriers that young people face in accessing the higher education institution of their choice and ensuring that the doors of all our universities are open to students from every part of the island. We should be making it as easy as possible for young people who want to study across Ireland to do so, especially at a time when Northern Ireland exports an entire university worth of students to Britain each and every year.
"However, this report makes clear the significant challenges that prospective students in the North face when applying to third-level courses in the South. There is clearly much more work to do if we are to enhance cross-border mobility and break down the barriers that our young people face when it comes to pursuing a university education across the border.
"Addressing these challenges will require coordinated and focused efforts from the Irish government, particularly when it comes to addressing the financial support needed for students and funding levels for the higher education sector, as well as the housing shortage. However, it will also require interventions from our own Executive Departments in the North. For example, there is an opportunity for the Department for the Economy to ensure that all our young people receive comprehensive careers guidance which is inclusive of the options available in the South.
"Moreover, this report clearly adds further evidence to the case for increased teaching of modern foreign languages and for the lifting of the cap on student numbers here in Northern Ireland. These are all issues for a restored Executive to urgently address."
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Rise In Number Of GCSE Students Achieving A*- C Grades
There has been a significant increase in the number of GCSE students achieving the A*- C grades. The proportion of entries awarded A* - C grades has risen by 0.7% this year to 78.7% Education Minister, John O'Dowd, congratulated the students and said they should be proud of all their hard work.
Rise In Number Of GCSE Students Achieving A*- C Grades
There has been a significant increase in the number of GCSE students achieving the A*- C grades. The proportion of entries awarded A* - C grades has risen by 0.7% this year to 78.7% Education Minister, John O'Dowd, congratulated the students and said they should be proud of all their hard work.
16 August 2001
Northern Ireland pupils are in a class of their own
Northern Ireland students have outperformed their peers in England and Wales in both A-level and the new AS level exams. Figures released by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) on Thursday August 16 show a record 48,000 grades have been issued to Northern Ireland students across all exam boards.
Northern Ireland pupils are in a class of their own
Northern Ireland students have outperformed their peers in England and Wales in both A-level and the new AS level exams. Figures released by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) on Thursday August 16 show a record 48,000 grades have been issued to Northern Ireland students across all exam boards.
10 August 2021
Young People Receiving Exam Results Urged To Avail Of Free Career Guidance
Young people receiving A level and AS level results have been urged to make full use of the free guidance and assistance offered by the Department for the Economy's Careers Service.
Young People Receiving Exam Results Urged To Avail Of Free Career Guidance
Young people receiving A level and AS level results have been urged to make full use of the free guidance and assistance offered by the Department for the Economy's Careers Service.
19 July 2004
Queen's welcomes overseas students
More than 50 overseas students arrived in Belfast at the weekend to take part in a three-week International Summer School at Queen's University. Now in its fourth year, the Summer School programme, entitled 'Ireland: Northern Perspectives', runs from 19 July to 6 August, and is coordinated by the Institute of Irish Studies at Queen's.
Queen's welcomes overseas students
More than 50 overseas students arrived in Belfast at the weekend to take part in a three-week International Summer School at Queen's University. Now in its fourth year, the Summer School programme, entitled 'Ireland: Northern Perspectives', runs from 19 July to 6 August, and is coordinated by the Institute of Irish Studies at Queen's.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
