Increase in fees at St. Gerard's private school
ANNUAL COST FOR PUPILS RISES TO €6,550
ST. GERARD'S school in Bray is one of several private schools in the greater Dublin area to increase fees this year, despite the general fall in consumer prices elsewhere.
St. Gerard's annual fee will increase by €250 to €6,550.
The increase of almost 4 per cent reflects strong demand by parents for private education which has been largely unaffected by the economic downturn.
The State provides finances to private schools of approximately €100 million, most of which is used to pay teachers' salaries.
Private schools generate an additional €100 million in fee income.
Following a recent High Court ruling, private schools are entitled to pay teachers whom they directly employ less than those paid for by the Department of Education and Skills.
However, the ASTI says it will fight any move to create a two-tier teaching profession.
- MARY FOGARTY
