English is second language for over 600 on Island pupils

There are over 600 pupils on the Isle of Man for whom English is their second language.

The Department of Education and Children has published the figures after a request from Onchan MHK Peter Karran.

Ballakermeen High School is the secondary school with the highest number of pupils with 139 and St Mary’s the primary school with the highest at 51.

The department says it’s not possible to quantify how much resource is given to supporting these pupils as the need constantly changes.

However it says where specific English language support is required the bilingual service can provide schools with advice, training and resources to help pupil’s develop their English.