Aravon school in Bray, Co Wicklow, is to take back a pupil the board of governors tried to expel, the High Court has been told. Nine-year-old Patrick Tobin's parents, Pat and Kate Tobin, of Newcastle, Co Wicklow, challenged the board's decision not to take him back when the new school year begins tomorrow. They were in court yesterday to hear Mr Justice Kevin O'Higgins express delight that the dispute had been settled and that the boy would rejoin his classmates tomorrow. They declined to comment on the agreement, which included a settlement on the costs of their application.
Mr Michael Counihan, counsel for the couple, said three hours of talks between the parties had yielded a resolution of the problem. He asked that the proceedings be struck out, with no further order.
The High Court had heard that the governors of Aravon Preparatory School, where Patrick has been a pupil for five years, refused to take him back on the grounds that he was disruptive. Mr Counihan said the boy suffered from a form of dyslexia and required specialised teaching. He had created a very good bond with his teachers, and any break in that relationship would probably be disastrous for his progress.
The Tobins sued the school, alleging breach of contract.
The pop star, Chris De Burgh, is a former pupil of the school and his sons, Hubie and Michael, are currently enrolled there. It is understood he has an interest in a company which bought the school three years ago and leases it back to the governors at a nominal rent.
Mr De Burgh is believed to have contributed about £1 million to the school's development plan. The Victorian building, on 15 acres, is in an exclusive residential area close to Bray.