I propose to take Questions Nos. 406, 409 and 410 together.
The circumstances under which a student may repeat a year at Post Primary level are set out in Department of Education Circular M02/95. A copy of this circular is available at: circulars.gov.ie/pdf/circular/education/1995/M02.pdf
Under this Circular, school management have delegated authority, within defined limits, to permit students to repeat a year at Post Primary level. Application should be made by the parents/guardians concerned directly to the school authorities, citing the reasons for the application to repeat the year. The school authorities may then consider the case in conjunction with the criteria set out in the Circular M02/95 and reply directly to the parents/guardians.
Opting not to take Transition Year (where it is available) or not being allocated a place in Transition Year cannot be a guarantee that a pupil may repeat fifth year as the pupil must still satisfy the criteria to repeat set out in the afore-mentioned Circular.
Regarding students missing official school days, education welfare officers deal with the children attending school between the mandatory school age of 6 year to 16 years. Where a child is under the age of 16, and in line with the procedures for referrals from schools to the Educational Welfare Service, schools are advised to use their discretion in determining whether a student’s attendance warrants a referral. A student’s absence may be satisfactorily explained by certified illness, bereavement or other valid reasons.
My department does not provide a Home Tuition grant for children who are not offered a place in their school's Transition Year program.
