Retention of a Pupil in the same class
- Published: 09 June 2021
A topical issue at this time of year is the retention of pupils in the same grade. Circular 32/2003 refers to the retention of pupils in the same class. The DES does not encourage this generally, but may to be justified on the basis of sound educational reasons which would benefit the needs of the child. For example: A child has not achieved sufficient levels of literacy or numeracy, missed a significant level of schooling, had emotional/behavioural issues that impeded their learning during the course of the year.
Under the Department’s policy, children should only be allowed to repeat a year for educational reasons and in exceptional circumstances. An additional grade level should not operate through the retention of all or a substantial number of pupils at a grade level. The child’s age must also be taken into account – a school should always endeavour to place a child in an age appropriate setting.
A letter needs to be submitted to the school by parents requesting it. In such exceptional circumstances a Principal teacher, following consultation with the learning support teacher/resource teacher and class teacher and parent(s), may concludes that a pupil would benefit educationally by repeating a grade level.
A record outlining the educational basis for the decision to retain a child should be kept for any pupil so retained. In addition, there should be a clear programme outlined for such a pupil that records precisely what new approach will be used for her/him and what its expected benefit will be. These records should be retained within the school and should be brought to the Inspector’s attention by the Principal when s/he visits the school. No pupil should repeat a grade more than once in a primary school.
If the decision to retain the child is made, an IPLP should be drawn up indicating what interventions will be put in place for the child to maximise their learning experience. In instances where a school has approved the retention of a pupil in 6th class, no capitation grant will be paid by the DES for this pupil in the following school academic year.
Issues to Consider:
- Decision to be based on the developmental/learning needs of the child only – not the school; the parents; enrolment; their age (“s/he’s very young”) etc
- Consider the impact of the decision to repeat on the Self-esteem of the child – friendships etc. Children frequently see “repeating” as punishment for “not doing well”, even when they themselves feel they’ve done their best
- Children with an assessed learning need (SEN), may be best supported by “moving on” with appropriate supports in place
- Are both parents (where applicable) in agreement about the issue?
- Children have a right (as far as possible) to be placed in class groupings with peers of a similar age and stage of development
