Sinn Féin spokesperson for Education Pat Sheehan has said the Independent Review of Education puts a welcome focus on SEN and early years but ignores the long tale of underachievement in the north.

Speaking after attending the launch of the Independent Review of Education report today, Mr Sheehan said:

“The Independent Review of Education report has been long awaited by the education sector in the north for over two years.

“The report rightly recognises the need for more investment and the serious impact underfunding in education has had here over a number of years.

“I very much welcome the focus within the review on improving early years and special education needs provision.

“However, the review appears to ignore the major, and well documented, fault-line within our education system which is the long tale of underachievement in the north and the practices, such as academic selection, which drive it. 

“Also, the suggestion to halt the Strule Shared Education Campus to save money is very concerning. The social, economic and educational benefits young people in that area stand to receive through the project should be realised.

“We will take time to fully consider the report in the time ahead and engage with different stakeholders in the sector.”