As a result, it says mainstream teacher numbers at primary level are expected to fall over the medium term as a demographic bubble moves from primary to second level.
While the general trend is for a reduction in enrolments, projections indicate that population increases in some rapidly growing urban areas will lead to localised demand for additional teachers.These findings reflect technical reports produced earlier this summer by the Department of Education, which estimate that primary pupil numbers are likely to drop significantly between now and 2036.
However, these figures are based on assumptions that there will be no change in pupil-teacher ratios or staffing schedules for schools.said earlier this summer that a projected oversupply of primary teachers could allow the Government to lower class sizes significantly. Another option being examined by the department involves retraining primary teachers as special education teachers at second level.