CHAPTER 4: INTERNAL EFFICIENCY
This chapter focuses on how well the education system is functioning in relation to student progress. Consequently, the main areas under review are pupil/teacher ratios, repetition and drop-out rates. As shown in figure 4.1, the pupil teacher ratios are quite varied by educational level and Member State. In most cases the pupil teacher ratio increases with progression to higher educational levels. As such, within the early childhood sector the child/ caregiver ratio is lower as there is a desire to provide more individualized attention. At the primary and secondary levels, the pupil/ teacher ratio is higher as pupils are a bit more independent.
The second area of focus is that of repetition. The levels of repetition at the primary level are quite diverse. It should be noted that data is not available for all Member States. However, one noteworthy fact is that Montserrat has an automatic promotion policy. As shown on Figure 4.2 the males are showing higher levels of repetition than their female colleagues.
At the secondary level similar trend obtains in that the males are repeating more than their female classmates. Also, the number of repeaters is significantly higher. The number increases from just under 130 to close to 850. Here too, there is a considerable variation in the volume of repetition amongst Member States as seen on Figure 4.3.