Update: We are very happy to report that the Principal contacted VFTs and has removed the two ads for JobBridge Teachers in this school.

Thank you to him and to everyone who e-mailed him.

A private school which charges fees of over €10,000 per year for day pupils has advertised for two teachers via JobBridge.

Headfort School, based in Kells Co. Meath, charges day pupils over 10 years old fees of €3,365 per term – with additional charges for music, tennis, swimming, riding and other activities. But on Wednesday last, 29th July, the school advertised for two JobBridge positions – ‘European Languages / Sports Teacher (primary school)’ and ‘Irish Language / Sports Teacher (primary school)’.

The ads on the JobBridge website require that applicants have “…a B. Ed, or a Graduate/Higher Diploma in Education (Primary) or similar qualification from overseas” and that they “…must be dedicated to children coming first, be able to inspire and motivate, and be interested in the education of children…. punctual, flexible, diligent and hardworking.”

Clearly however, having an interest in social justice or believing in the concept of a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work would rule somebody out of contention. Believing that exploitation in the workplace is wrong would appear to run contrary to the ethos this school aspires to.

In all circumstances, JobBridge is exploitation but in this instance of a school which charges huge fees to the parents of its pupils but now wants to provide education via a teacher who will be paid €50 per week the level of exploitation is just staggering.

Unfortunately, because the principal is unlikely to be a member of the INTO, there is probably no way in which the INTO membership can try to enforce the directive against participation on JobBridge in this case. But perhaps public pressure would make a difference – why not send an email to the principal, Dermot Dix – headmaster@headfort.com, and let him know how you feel about his exploitation of vulnerable young teachers?

Copies of the 2 ads are attached for your information.

Kells-jobbridge-ie 2ndTeacherHeadfortSchool

Kells-jobbridge-ie TeacherHeadfortSchool