Pupils Not Getting Enough Good Education - Chief Inspector

Pupils in primary and secondary schools in Northern Ireland are not getting enough good education, according to the Chief Inspector's report.

In her latest report, Noelle Buick, also said it is "unacceptable" that boys are continuing to under-perform in exams compared to girls.

She said: "Too many pupils still receive an education that is not good enough.

"While more pupils are achieving overall, the gap between those entitled to free school meals and those not, remains an issue.

"There is also a need to improve the achievements and standards for Looked After Children."

Education Minister, Peter Weir said that despite the financial challenges that lie ahead he was committed to tackling educational underachievement.

He said "My top priority is raising standards for all children and helping them reach their full potential. Northern Ireland has much to celebrate in terms of success and I am encouraged that so many of our schools continue to achieve excellent standards and that teachers are providing high quality learning to pupils. I am also pleased to see that many schools in formal intervention have now left that process.

"However, it is clear from this report that there remain gaps in educational attainment for children from disadvantaged backgrounds particularly pupils entitled to free school meals, boys and Looked After Children. While there are some improvements more needs to be done by all of us to tackle this problem."

(CD)