Journalists

Police in South Africa investigate suspected murder of Irish father-of-four 

POLICE in South Africa have begun a murder investigation after an Irishman was found dead at his apartment.

'It's mostly the kids' - one in 10 post-primary teachers victims of online bullying 

ONE IN 10 post-primary teachers say they are victims of online bullying - and it is mainly at the hands of pupils.

Parents plan pickets amid fury at school safety issues 

One of two Dublin schools closed amid concerns over structural defects is bringing all pupils back today, but there is only a limited return at the other.

Growing up in Ireland: Children have social media profiles aged nine 

The toll that technology is taking on children’s health was laid bare in separate reports linking screen time to 12 common types of cancer and short-sightedness.

Pupils to return to west Dublin primary schools closed over concerns around structural safety 

Pupils will return tomorrow to two west Dublin primary schools that have been closed over concerns around structural safety.

Female-only university posts set to be challenged in courts 

The Government is braced for legal challenges to its plan to fund women-only posts in universities.

Teachers are 'bullied by own pupils online' 

One in 10 post-primary teachers say they are victims of online bullying, and it is mainly at the hands of pupils.

'Inspiring' former principal hailed for his 'special' commitment to education 

John Curran left his mark wherever he went.

'A wonderful sense of humour and an infectious laugh' - tributes pour in after Irish man murdered in South Africa 

Friends and colleagues of an Irish father-of-four found dead in South Africa have described a "profound sense of shock, sadness and disbelief" at the news of his death.

Remaining pupils waiting to return to school following structural safety concerns get green light 

The last of the pupils waiting to return to school after the discovery of structural safety concerns in their buildings will be back at their desks tomorrow.

Independent review following school safety controversy to be conducted by construction expert 

The independent review into the Design and Build programme at the centre of the school safety controversy will be conducted by someone with expertise in the construction industry, not a lawyer.

External review to be carried out into school build scheme 

An independent review will be carried out into the Design and Build programme at the centre of school safety controversy.

Independent review due into build programme at centre of school safety controversy 

An independent review will be carried out into the controversial Design and Build programme at the centre of school safety controversy.

Leaving Cert bonus points proposed in sweeping reforms 

Sweeping changes to the Leaving Cert, including bonus points for more subjects and a system of continuous assessment of students, are proposed in a report from the Oireachtas Education Committee.

Two schools hit with defects to reopen later this week 

Two primary schools still closed as a result of structural safety issues identified two weeks ago expect to be open again by Thursday.

Robotics could help stroke patients' rehab 

A research team at University College Dublin is working on new forms of robotics designed to help with the rehabilitation of people with injuries or serious medical conditions.

'Our body clocks can determine how we experience illnesses' 

Irish research has shown a connection between the immune system and the body's natural body clock.

Pupils still 'fall through gaps' despite top inequality ranking 

Ireland ranks second of 41 wealthy nations in reducing education inequality between children, according to Unicef's latest Report Card.

Parents, teachers expecting update today on school buildings 

Structural problems have been identified at another of the 42 educational facilities undergoing safety checks.

'Getting hands dirty best way to learn' 

A leading educational scientist has warned that children need to spend less time being told about science and more time getting their hands dirty, playing with Lego and stepping away from their tablet computers.

App to bring Science Apprentice books to life as series returns 

The popular Science Apprentice books return with the Irish Independent this Saturday - and the new series comes with some real-life science.

Structural problems identified at another of the 42 educational facilities 

Structural problems have been identified at another of the 42 educational facilities undergoing safety checks.

Structural issues at Dublin primary school mean it will only partially re-open after mid-term 

Structural problems at a primary school mean that it will not be able to re-open fully after the mid-term break.

Relief as some schools shut for safety checks to reopen - but blame game is only beginning 

The mid-term break starts on a more positive note for parents, children and staff at three schools forced to shut this week because of concerns about structural safety.

Two schools forced to close due to structural concerns to re-open 

Two primary schools forced to close this week because of concerns about structural safety will be able to re-open their ground floors after the mid-term break, the Department of Education said today.

Study of 4,300 primary pupils to gain insights about improving curriculum 

A new study will follow 4,300 children through their primary school years in order to gain detailed insights about their experiences and see how the curriculum can be improved.

TUI narrowly votes to accept new entrant pay deal in first ballot result from teachers 

Members of the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) have voted by a narrow 53pc to 47pc to accept the deal on new entrant salary scales.

Row over who has responsibility for school safety fiasco 

The Department of Education and the company at the centre of the school building safety controversy are at odds over who was responsible for signing off on three projects where serious structural problems have come to light.

Teachers' union votes to accept pay deal for new entrants 

Members of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) have voted 53pc to 47pc to accept the deal on new entrant salary scales.

More schools are set to close amid safety concerns, minister warns 

More schools are expected to close as a result of structural checks which are currently being carried out, Education Minister Joe McHugh has warned.

School building concerns: full list of 42 affected schools to be examined for structural safety 

The list of 42 schools built by Western Building Systems that are being examined for structural safety has been released.

Creating leaders of the future, both on and off the pitch 

When the country's national sporting organisation and the Department of Education's largest professional development service for teachers comes together on a Transition Year programme, you would expect a good result.

Up to 40 schools are in danger of closure 

Up to 40 schools built in the last decade are at risk of closure as the Department of Education widens its investigation into the structural safety of work done by a single contractor.

Two more schools to close immediately amid concerns about structural issues 

Two more schools are closing immediately because of concerns about structural issues.

Department orders urgent structural checks on 30 schools built in past decade 

The Department of Education is to carry out urgent structural examinations of 30 schools built by the same firm over the past 10 years.

Urgent structural examinations of 30 schools built by the same firm to be carried out 

The Department of Education is to carry out urgent structural examinations of 30 schools built by the same firm over the past 10 years.

Education Minister to slow pace of Bruton's reforms in schools 

Newly appointed Education Minister Joe McHugh has promised to slow down the pace of change expected in schools, after warnings of "initiative overload".

DCU president adds voice to calls on Justice Minister for review of deportation case of student 

DCU president Professor Brian MacCraith has added his voice to the calls on Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan for a review of the case of a Zimbabwean student under deportation order.

New education minister 'wants to explore use of Skype interviews' to bring teachers back from abroad 

Newly-appointed education minister Joe McHugh wants to explore the use of Skype interviews to help bring teachers back from abroad to fill staff shortages in Irish schools.

DCU says €330k Facebook sponsorship deal does not compromise independence of its research 

Dublin City University (DCU) says a €330,000 sponsorship deal with Facebook for an online safety training programme for parents and teachers does not compromise the independence of its research work.

DCU students may face disciplinary action after frat-style games involving 'nude acts' 

DCU has initiated a process under its ‘Student Code of Conduct and Discipline’ with a view to potential disciplinary action in relation to reports of “grossly inappropriate behaviour at a meeting of the Accounting and Finance student society”.

Policymakers must pay more than lip service to what children are saying 

The children have spoken, some of them through their expanding waistbands.

Teens are in denial about scale of their own obesity levels 

A worrying lack of awareness among obese 13-year-olds about being seriously overweight has emerged in the latest study on the lives of young people in Ireland.

Universities send out an SOS to public for funding 

Ireland's seven universities are turning to the public to put pressure on politicians to provide more State funding.

Principals at biggest Irish schools can earn €112k 

Ireland's head teachers are among the best paid in Europe, with top-level secondary school leaders taking home six-figure salaries.

Storm Callum hits hard: Flight cancellations, thousands without power and schools urged to 'err on the side of caution' 

Over two dozen flights to and from Dublin Airport were cancelled as destructive winds of up to 130kmh swept across the country last night, with fears that similar conditions are on the way for the weekend.

Storm Callum: Weather warning 'likely to be extended' as schools urged to 'err on side of caution' when deciding to open or not 

THE Department of Education has told schools, universities, institute of technology and all other education centres in areas affected by a status orange alert to remain vigilant and to “err on the side of caution”.

'Be vigilant': Flights cancelled, weather warnings issued and fears schools may not open as country braces itself for Storm Callum 

Met Eireann has urged people to "be vigilant" of weather warnings as the country braces itself for the arrival of Storm Callum.

New guidelines for schools on sex-ed speakers 

Schools must adhere to strict new guidelines for visiting speakers and external programmes for classes in sex education.

Parents to 'opt in' for religion at 300 schools 

Parents of pupils attending State-run post-primary schools will now be "opting in" if they want religious instruction for their children rather than "opting out".

Teachers mark down minister for failing to end austerity-era cuts 

Increased funding that will bring the Department of Education budget to a record high of €10.7bn next year drew a mixed response, including criticism of the failure to do more to end austerity-era cuts.

Leaving Cert students get surprise upgrades over decision to allow different exam answer 

Several hundred CAO applicants can expect a late college offer as a result of Leaving Cert re-checks.

Tusla equips social workers with valuable online learning tool 

Education does not end with a Leaving Certificate or a college degree. New challenges are emerging all the time, but there are also rapid advances in knowledge. For any career, the key is to keep up to date with developments.

Budget 2019: 10 things to know about Education measures amid warning of 'growing third-level crisis' 

EDUCATION has been allocated €10.8bn in Budget 2019, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe announced today.

UCD to admit more students with exam upgrades 

Students who applied to UCD who get a late offer after the results of Leaving Certificate appeals are released will get their place this year - but only if space is available.

CAO applicants to UCD who get late offer after Leaving Certificate appeals released tomorrow will get their place this year - but only if space is available 

CAO applicants to University College Dublin (UCD) who get a late offer after the results of Leaving Certificate appeals are released tomorrow will get their place this year - but only if space is available.

'Baptism barrier' lifted as schools can't choose pupils based on religion 

The 'baptism barrier' has been consigned to the history books.

Education system still counting cost of brain drain from flight of our graduates after crash 

Ireland is still feeling the after-effects of the graduate brain drain that robbed the country of youthful talent during the depths of the recession.

'Job security and pay drove me to teach abroad' 

Darragh Cotter left college with his teaching qualifications in 2013, and job prospects were grim.

Rebecca to get special welcome at UCD 

A special welcome awaits student Rebecca Carter when she arrives in UCD on Monday to start her veterinary degree programme.

Faster appeals process on the cards 

A speeding up of the Leaving Cert appeals process is on the cards next year, in the wake of the High Court ruling in the Rebecca Carter case.

History of Irish Traveller community to be added to school curriculum 

THE history and culture of the Irish Traveller community is to take its place on the school curriculum.

Ireland takes another hit in world university rankings as Trinity drops three places 

Ireland has been dealt another blow in an international university league table, with Trinity College Dublin falling in the rankings.

No room for complacency despite success of campaigns 

Among the positive features of the World Health Organisation (WHO) report recording a dramatic drop in under-age drinking in Ireland is that it is part of a trend evident across a number of studies.

Trinity College falls in international university league table 

Ireland has been dealt another blow in international university league tables.

Parents want action on restraining pupils in schools 

Parents of children with a disability have called on Education Minister Richard Bruton to act urgently to regulate and reduce the practices of restraining and secluding children with disabilities in schools.

'I would hate it if Brexit forces any teachers to leave' - principal 

Hard Border or soft Border, principal Nuala Mhic Gabhann is worried about the Brexit fallout for her 300-pupil school in Co Monaghan.

Katherine Donnelly: Deal can only postpone the outbreak of hositilities 

Average increases of €3,300 a year are not to be sniffed at, but as union leaders walked away from the table yesterday, the were signs were that it may not buy peace, or not immediately, across the public service.

Strike threat as public sector workers lash out at €3,300 deal without back pay 

Pay rises worth €3,300 are on the way for more than 60,000 public sector workers - but it may not be enough to avoid strikes.

Revealed: Proposed new government deal which aims to end two-tier public sector salaries 

New entrants to the public service are to jump two points on their pay scale in a deal aimed at ending the row over two-tier salaries.

Brexit threatens Trinity mission to be university 'for all Ireland' 

Brexit is threatening Trinity College Dublin's historic mission to be "a university for the whole island of Ireland".

State and UK unite to keep the door open for students 

The Irish and British governments are working hard to protect existing arrangements between the two countries in the areas of higher education and research, but much depends on the final Brexit deal.

Trinity lecturer and barrister denies jibe at Muslim student 

A law lecturer, whose first class in Trinity College Dublin ended in controversy and is under investigation by the college, insists that it was a case of "crossed wires".

Teachers say school 'is not well-run' amid calls to take 'urgent action' 

Education inspectors have raised concerns about leadership and management at a girls' secondary school, where fewer than half the teachers agreed that it was well-run.

Rising numbers and cuts to funding push universities into 'danger zone' 

The twin pressures of funding cuts and growing student numbers sees Ireland's university system classed as being in the "danger" zone, according to an analysis by the European Universities Association (EUA).

Irish universities must be 'freed from the grinding levers of State control' if they are to compete with the best in Europe - IUA Chief 

Irish universities say they must be “freed from the grinding levers of State control” if they are to compete with the best in Europe.

Pupils will wait five years for PE halls despite €11.9bn school-building programme 

The €11.9bn education building programme being announced by the Government today does not provide for the widespread building and modernisation of school PE halls for at least five years.

Battle looms for control of 13 new primary schools 

A big battle is shaping up for control of 13 primary schools opening next September.

Girls stay ahead as they outperform boys in Junior Cert - again 

Girls outperformed boys in almost all Junior Cert subjects this year according to a gender breakdown of results from the State Examinations Commission (SEC).

Bruton says education board must sharpen up 

Education Minister Richard Bruton has formally instructed Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) to sharpen up, following an investigation into a series of transactions involving former chief executive Seán Ashe.

Junior Cert results 2018: 47 students achieve top marks 

More than 62,000 Junior Cert students are celebrating their results today, although many middle-ground students will be disappointed there is no repeat of the bumper share-out of "honours" grades that marked the introduction of the new-style English written exam last year.

We're falling behind competitors for investing in education system 

Spending on education in Ireland has not kept up with the rising number of students, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Spending on education has not kept up with rising number of students - OECD 

Spending on education in Ireland has not kept up with the rising number of students, according to the international think-tank, the OECD.

UCD in world top 100 for helping graduates get job 

University College Dublin (UCD) has been ranked number one in Ireland for graduate employability, and is among the world's top 100.

'Serious breakdown in trust' at primary school 

A primary school in Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's home town has been told to get its house in order after inspectors found a "serious breakdown in trust" in key relationships.

Allen 'carrying on regardless' following son's cannabis arrest 

It was a case of tea and sympathy when Rachel Allen turned out for the annual Kennedy Summer School.

New thinking on funding for fairer tuition fees is needed, says DCU chief 

A university president has called for a radical new approach to third-level funding that would limit the number of students paid for by the State, while others, who could afford it, would be liable for full fees.

'Carrying on regardless' - Rachel Allen makes first public appearance in aftermath of son's drug arrest 

It was a case of tea and sympathy when Rachel Allen turned out in Co Wexford for the annual Kennedy Summer School.

Just one pupil left in school after parents pull children out 

Only one pupil turned up in a primary school this week after parents withdrew their children for unspecified reasons.

Schools warned of duties amid allegations teen boys engaged in sex acts with prostitutes on charity trip 

The Department of Education says schools have a responsibility to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place while children are participating in school tours.

Employers want radical overhaul of career guidance for students 

Employers want a radical overhaul of career guidance for second-level pupils to include a new State-funded external advisory service to support what is already available in schools.

€7,300-a-year independent school planning 'to spark discussion in classroom' 

A young entrepreneur is shaking up the Dublin second-level education market with a new independent school on the southside of the city for Leaving Cert students.

Bruton and schools in stand-off on religion 

Education Minister Richard Bruton and State-run post-primary schools are in a stand-off over an instruction to provide alternative tuition to pupils who opt out of religion classes, which is supposed to be effective from this month.

Reliance on census 'not adequate' in identifying demand for school places 

Primary school managers say the current method of identifying the need for additional school places in an area is not adequate.

College places for 2,226 in second round of CAO offers 

More than 2,000 students are celebrating a college offer after the CAO issued its second round.

Squeezed parents are being pushed into €200 contribution to schools 

Three-quarters of primary school parents are asked to make a voluntary contribution to their child's school - and in some cases the request is for more than €200 a year, according to a recent survey.

More psychologists appointed to train teachers in student care 

More educational psychologists are to be made available to schools in the coming academic year, mainly to train teachers to support the well-being of their pupils.

Success of Pope's visit this time should be measured in frank truths, not in numbers 

Yes, it was different, and so much better than any misty-eyed memories of 1979.

Global headlines focus on child abuse scandal 

Pope Francis' visit to Ireland made international headlines, and its timing gave added prominence to the child sex abuse scandals engulfing the Catholic Church worldwide.

Higher education chief steps down amid tensions over third-level funding 

The sudden resignation of the chief executive of the Higher Education Authority is being blamed on increasing control over the agency's activities by the Department of Education coupled with a lack of progress on the third-level funding issue.

Surprise as Chief Executive of the Higher Education Authority steps down after 20 months 

The Chief Executive of the Higher Education Authority Dr Graham Love is stepping down from his role amid tensions with the Department of Education over funding for third-level.

Tech institutes commit to  putting more women in senior posts 

The country's 14 institutes of technology have committed to increasing the number of women in senior positions.

Businesses worried by fall in demand for computing courses 

The drop in demand from school-leavers for computing courses has triggered alarm in business and technology circles.

Second chance maths: Another chance to get that maths grade 

A number of third-level colleges offer students another chance to achieve the required maths grade for entry to CAO courses.

Katherine Donnelly: Don't panic if you didn't get your preferred CAO choice, there's more than one route to college 

Congratulations to the 50,746 CAO applicants who received college offers today.