Kildare has the largest average primary classes in the State

Kildare has the largest class size in the country with an average of 24 pupils per class, the latest National School Annual Census released by the Department of Education has revealed.

The county also has the school with the most classrooms in the State, with 978 pupils spread across 42 classrooms in St Brigid’s Primary School on Grey Abbey Road in Kildare town.

‘’ With an average of 24 pupils per class, Kildare schools still struggle with class sizes, and the problem appears to be worse in Gaelscoileanna,” said Cllr Angela Feeney, herself an educator.

“While the overall national trend shows improvement with 10,000 fewer students in overcrowded schools, Kildare is still adversely affected by the issue.

“It is very disappointing that the largest average class size in the country was among schools in Kildare, where fewer than one in 10 pupils in schools find themselves in classes of 20 or under,” she said.

The Department of Education said pupil demographics are a key driver for teacher demand, a comment Cllr Feeney finds very ironic.

“If pupil demographics are a key driver for teacher demand, then why are we in Kildare in this position?” she asks.

“We have the fastest growing populations in our towns and yet here we are again in this situation where we are being poorly served and not keeping pace with population growth.

“Why are Kildare school children not being fairly treated?

“We are so lucky to have great schools and teachers but I will do all I can to support these schools, and I have contacted the Department to see what can be done to address this imbalance".

As someone who has worked in education all her life, Cllr. Feeney said she understands the importance of individual student attention and as an active supporter of the Irish language she feels particularly strongly that pupils attending Gaelscoileanna are even more likely to find themselves in large classes.

"We know that Gaelscoileanna in Sallins and Celbridge have the highest average class size at 27.5 students and the largest individual class size at 33.’’ 

To highlight the negative impact of large class sizes on students' education and well-being and seek solutions, Cllr Feeney proposes immediate steps to address the issue.