§ 6. Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the current pupil-teacher ratio in all schools; what it was five, 10 and 20 years ago; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe 1988 pupil-teacher ratio is 18.4 to one, which is the lowest on record. The comparable figures for five, 10 and 20 years ago are 18.7, 19.5 and 24.3, respectively.
§ Mr. GreenwayIs it not clear that there has been remarkable progress under the present Government in the provision of teachers for Northern Ireland? How are the additional teachers being deployed? Are they being deployed to split pupils into smaller groups for teaching, or to widen the curriculum, or both?
§ Dr. MawhinneyMy hon. Friend will be pleased to know that they are being deployed in both areas. We shall have to give further thought to that deployment as education reform proposals are implemented in the Province.
§ Mr. William RossIs it the Government's intention that integrated schools will enjoy the same pupil-teacher ratio 463 as the present system of education or a better one? How will it be possible for parents of pupils in Church-owned schools to opt out into the integrated sector?
§ Mr. MawhinneyWe have not drawn any distinctions, in terms of PTRs, between integrated schools and other types. As to Church-owned schools, the proposals will apply to all schools, which will be subject to the democratic votes of parents.