Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan said that tackling educational underachievement must be a top priority,

Speaking after the publication for the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the party’s education spokesperson said:

“The latest PISA assessment shows that in the north, the performance of lower achievers in mathematics, reading and science has deteriorated. And demonstrates a significant gap between the average scores of the least disadvantaged pupils and the most disadvantaged.

“Savage Tory cuts to education are having a detrimental impact on tackling educational underachievement and supporting our most disadvantaged children.

“The British government should end its attack on our public services and instead properly invest in our public services. We need an Executive and Assembly restored immediately to support our children and young people.  

“Tackling educational underachievement must be a top priority.”