Cuts to classroom resources may affect single-sex schools more severely, as these establishments are said to have been highlighted for a reduction in teacher numbers.

The Irish Independent reports the Department of Education has identified these facilities as targets as they are believed to have an advantage over co-ed schools, which may face additional challenges in providing courses to cater for the interests of both girls and boys.

A review of spending drawn up before last month's Budget statement noted: "A single-sex school gets the same allocation as a co-educational school."

It added it "would be desirable on equity grounds to move to a system that contains some differentiation given the likely scale and impact of the reductions".

The department also suggested schools in areas where there is greater choice available may receive a lesser allocation of teachers than those where there are limited alternative facilities.

Recently, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation warned smaller establishments would be harmed by a change in how teaching resources are allocated, as this will lead to larger class sizes.

Written by Donal Walsh

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