Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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198. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the grounds on which a school may refuse a student the right to repeat a year at primary school level; who makes this decision; what form of appeal exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15995/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The primary school curriculum is designed as an eight year course, including a two year infant cycle followed by six years in standards from first to sixth, with children progressing to the next grade at the end of each school year.

The Department's policy in regards to the retention of pupils in primary schools is set out in Primary Circular 32/03‘Retention of Pupils in same Grade in Primary Schools’ . Circular 32/03 recognises that in exceptional circumstances a school may conclude a pupil or student would benefit educationally by repeating a grade level having first consulted with the class teacher, Special Educational Needs teacher, and parents. In such circumstances there should be a clear programme outlined for such a pupil that records precisely what new approach will be used for the pupil and what its expected benefit will be.

In summary decisions in relation to requests to repeat a year are only approved by the Principal provided there is an educational basis for it, and it is clear that all parties agree that the pupil would benefit educationally by repeating a class.