School Rolls.- The total number of pupils on the rolls for the year just closed is 686,<lb/> which is exactly similar to that for the previous period. But it is to be remembered that on the<lb/> present occasion that returns include only eleven school as against twelve last year, and, consequently,<lb/> if we are to institute a proper comparison the number credited to the twelfth school in 1913-14<lb/> should be deducted from the total. The result is that the total (686) for the eleven school in<lb/> 194-15 shows the substantial increase of 39 on the total (647) for the same schools in 1913-14.<lb/> This is all the more satisfactory, and indeed remarkable, in view of the fact that during the four<lb/> previous years a constant diminution had taken place, the total of 785 in 1909-10 having fallen to<lb/> 647 in 1913-14. That the shrinkage has been arrested is good; that the loss has been partially<lb/> recovered is better. And just as it was difficult to account for the reduction of former years, so<lb/> too it is not easy to furnish an explanation for the improvement on the present occasion, more<lb/> especially as that improvement is altogether due to the increased number of boarders. Under<lb/> existing circumstances one would scarcely have been surprised had the number of boarders been<lb/> fewer; and the reduction, had it occurred, would probably have been attributed to the war. How-<lb/> ever, theory must give way to facts, and the facts in the present instance are all to the good.<lb/> Analysing the returns we find that boarders are increased by 40, and day pupils reduced by 1;<lb/> while if we distinguish between the sexes, the boys are more numerous by 37 and the girls by 3.

The most important variations in individual school rolls are increases in St. Patrick's Cavan<lb/> (24), St. Patrick's, Dungannon (13), St. Eunan's, Letterkenny (8), Royal School, Cavan (4);and <lb/> decreases in Raphhoe Royal School (5), and Enniskillen Royal School (5).

The number on the Intermediate Rolls, that is tose available for the intermediate Examina-<lb/> tions, was 461, as against 427 last year. Of the 461 possible candidates, 390 were presented<lb/> for examination, that is 84.5 per cent. This percentage is not only lower than that of last year,<lb/> When 88 per cent, of the possible candidates were examined, it is also the lowest since 1909-10,<lb/> when the percentage fell to 83. It is submitted that this drop is to be regretted and that it is<lb/> in the interest of the pupils generally- more especially the backward ones- that as many as possible<lb/> should have the incentive of preparing for the public ordeal. In this connection it is pleasing<lb/> to note that St. Marcarten's Seminary, with the characteristics thoroughness, sent forward absolutely<lb/> every pupil within the prescribed ages. Of the school in which the smallest proportion of pupils<lb/> was examined, viz., Royal School, Enniskillen, it is only fair to say that work was disorganised<lb/> during the year through changes in staff, particularly in the Headmastership.

Educational Efficiency. — Tested by the results of the recent Intermediate Examinations, the <lb/> schools, taken as a whole, have done well. The successful candidates number 271, out of 390<lb/> presented for examination, that is the percentage of "Passes" is 69 as compared with 68 last year. <lb/> This is perhaps not a very substantial improvement, and it will appear even more insignificant<lb/> when we consider that the general results for the country as a whole show improvement, and<lb/> that, too, to a greater extent, the general percentage being 62 now as against 59 in 1914. <lb/> Accordingly, the special schools with which we are dealing still maintain a higher percentage of<lb/> "Passes." but on the present occasion their superiority in this respect is presented by a per-<lb/> centage of 7 as compared with one of 9 last year. Taking the sexes separately in our particular<lb/> schools, the boys have done much better than the girls, the percentage of "Passes" being 70<lb/> and 63 respectively. On the other hand, in the general results for the whole of Ireland the girls<lb/> have shown themselves superior, their percentage of "Passes" being 64, while that of the boys<lb/> is 61.

Of the eleven girls schools inspected six can boast improved results. Further, whether judged by<lb/> high percentages, by the number of subject taken, or by the few failures in individual papers,<lb/> those results are eminently satisfactory. In this connection special mention should be made of <lb/> Royal School, Armagh, St. Patrick's College, Cavan and St. Eunan's, Letterkenny, whose percen-<lb/> tages of successful candidates range from 70 to 84, and all of which include at least three<lb/> languages in addition to English in their curricula. Cavan and Raphoe Royal Schools have justified <lb/> the confidence placed in them last year by "qualifying" on the present occasion, while of the five<lb/> schools which have suffered reverses, it is only necessary to say that these reverses are for the most <lb/> part trivial, and that no serious set-back is noticeable.

A close analysis of the results obtained by the various schools goes to show that English was <lb/> particularly successful, that in other languages some weakness betrayed itself in the Junior Grade,<lb/> and that Mathematics were responsible for the majority of the failures.

Buildings, Equipment, etc. — The buildings, taken as a whole, are now in very fair condition.<lb/> The same may not be said of the equipment, except that in some few cases desks and blackboards have<lb/> reached the limit of their service, and call for renewal. Effective painting and colouring have<lb/> been carried out in the Royal Schools of Armagh, Raphoe and Dungannon, and in St. Patrick's<lb/> Cavan, while the damp spots in the new wing of St. Patrick's, Armagh seem to have been success-<lb/> fully treated. Further, the roof of Enniskillen Royal School has received much needed and generous<lb/> attention, the substantial sum of £120 having been expended on the work.

In connection with the premises the following points were noted: —<lb/>

Armagh Royal School.— The condition of the outdoor w.c's. might be better. Raphoe Royal School.— The roof of gymnasium is still slightly defective.<lb/> St. Ennian's Letterkenny, — Plaster has fallen from the walls in some places.<lb/> St. Macarten's Monaghan. — Flushing of outdoor w.c's. leaves something to be desired.<lb/> St. Michael's, Enniskillen.— Playground very neglected.<lb/> Dungannon Royal School.— Plaster at back of main building requires renewal.<lb/> St. Patrick's, Dungannon. — When the new railing has been completed the grounds will<lb/> need attention.

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