THE GOVERNMENT is to target fee-paying schools in the forthcoming budget, with changes to the pupil- teacher ratio that will result in much larger classes next year.
The move comes amid continuing controversy about the €100 million State subsidy to 56 private schools.
Under the plan, there will be a two-point increase in the staffing schedule in second-level fee-paying schools, with one teacher for almost every 22 pupils.
A further worsening of the pupil-teacher ratio in private schools in future budgets is also possible, according to political sources.
The move in next month’s budget could potentially result in the loss of many teaching posts in private schools. It could also mean higher fees for the 26,000 pupils in these schools.
Significantly, it will widen the gap at second level between the pupil-teacher ratio in fee-paying schools and those in the “free” education scheme. The budget is set to increase the staffing schedule in State schools by almost one point, with one teacher for every 20 pupils.
The Department of Education has indicated to the Government that increasing the number of children in a classroom is the most effective way of achieving sizeable savings in the education budget. It says each post left unfilled at second level will yield savings averaging €64,000 a year.
However the decision to target the fee-paying sector in such a deliberate way will draw a furious response from private schools and from the parents of children in these schools.
In particular, it will infuriate many small fee-paying Protestant schools outside the Dublin area, already under intense financial pressure.
The move will mean more restricted subject choice in private schools. It could also force these schools to use more of their fee income to subsidise teaching and extra curricular activities.
The McCarthy report on the public sector – which backed the targeting of fee-paying schools – said they generated annual fee income of about €100 million. This is in addition to the €100 million a year from the State for teacher salaries.
Demand for private education – where fees average well over €5,000 a year – has remained strong despite the economic downturn.
Many of the big-name schools have seen remarkable growth in pupil numbers over the past decade, including Gonzaga (up 11 per cent), Belvedere and Catholic University School (both up 10 per cent ) and Blackrock College (up 4 per cent). Enrolment is either holding firm or rising at these schools.
In all, private schools received more than €530 million in support from the taxpayer in the past five years, including support for building projects, computer equipment and other current funding.
Since coming into office, Mr Quinn has cut off support for capital investment in private schools.
The Minister has been under pressure from Labour grassroots and from the Teachers Union of Ireland to end support for private education.