Fee-paying school considers free education switch

A fee-paying school in County Meath, Ireland is contemplating a switch to enter the free education scheme. 

Gormanston College - a high-profile school that charges fees from between €6,000 to €10,000 a year - has revealed via a notice posted on its website that it is in talks to make the move.

The Irish Independent reports that the news comes as the Department of Education has confirmed 13 of Ireland's 55 private schools are considering relinquishing their fee-paying status.

Significant enrolment losses at Gormanston College in recent years - pupil numbers have dwindled from 477 in 2008-09 to 256 in 2012-13 - could be a key reason behind the move, with the economic downturn seemingly dissuading families from sending their children to private schools.

Conor O'Brien, chairperson of the board of management at the school, revealed constructive talks are being held regarding a possible switch, adding the school's trustees are keen to ensure it has a viable future.

Written by Donal Walsh

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