Parents say 'tables' help school choice

The response of parents to the publication of so-called 'school leaguetables' has been overwhelmingly positive, writes Seán Flynn, Education Editor.

They were at it again at the recent conference of second-level school principals. The publication of lists giving the feeder schools for each of the universities had "prostituted" education, according to some leading members. The tables were derided as being of little use.

Tell that to the parents of Ireland. The response to the publication of these lists in The Irish Times has been staggering. Hardly a day goes by without some inquiry from a parent about a particular list or about a particular school.

These parents are derided by some in education as "consumerist" types, who take a crude approach to their child's education based only on Leaving Cert points scores.

But is this fair? Several of those who contacted The Irish Times pointed out how the choice of second-level school was a pivotal one for their family and their child. As one parent said: "Entrusting our child to a particular school is one of the most important decisions we will make as parents. I want as much information as I can get to help me with the decision. And I am not going to apologise for this."

One also sensed from talking to parents that they were not, contrary to the clichéd view, obsessed with CAO points to the exclusion of every other facet of school life. Of course, parents wanted reassurance that their child would reach his/her academic potential. But they are also interested in the extra-curricular activities at the school, the Transition Year programme, the general ethos and culture, and a host of other factors.

The manner in which parents use the information provided in the tables was also impressive. Some would have you believe that parents compare private fee-paying schools on equal terms with State schools in poorer areas. In fact, it seemed to me, parents take full account of the school's catchment area and its social mix before drawing any conclusions.

The publication of these lists has had one other important consequence. More than any other other single factor, perhaps, it helps to push the issue of educational disadvantage to the top of the education agenda.

The increasing dominance of private fee-paying schools and grind schools as feeder schools for Trinity College Dublin and UCD - exposed by the lists - helped to trigger an unprecedented level of debate last year. Indeed, the Minister for Education, Noel Dempsey, has acknowledged that the tables stiffened his resolve to bring greater equality to the education system.

This year, the publication of the lists helped to unleash a debate about support for private fee-paying schools. Is is right that the State gives a €70 million annual subsidy to these schools - by paying their teachers - when other schools in poorer areas desperately need these resources.

The lists have also helped to highlight some schools which could do with much more State support if they are to break the cycle of disadvantage. A sharper focus on this issue - instead of routine condemnation of parents and the media - might serve a greater purpose.

University of Limerick (UL)

With its new Olympic-size swimming pool, UL has arguably the best campus facilities for students in the State.

Under the leadership of Dr Roger Downer, UL has also improved its performance in the research area. The college appears to be very popular with its students. It has a good balance of high academic standards and a lively student life.

UL is very sensitive about official figures - now dating back almost a decade - which show it having a relatively high drop-out rate. The college says the situation has improved dramatically since then.

UL also has a proud tradition when it comes to providing access for all social groups to the university. It has a range of programmes which target disadvantaged groups.

Unlike the lists for UCD and Trinity, the main feeder schools are mostly State schools. The Jesuit-run Crescent College, which does not charge fees, provided most first-year undergraduates to UL last year.

However, grind schools such as Tutorial College, Limerick and Bruce College, Limerick feature prominently on the UL list too. Other main feeder schools include Coláiste Fhlannain, in Ennis, Co Clare , which also sends a large number of its students to NUI Galway. Most of the main feeder schools are located in Limerick, or in the surrounding counties Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Tipperary.