Almost half of all small schools that were due to lose a teacher this September have had appeals against the decision upheld by the Department of Education.
Budget cuts meant that 73 schools were told they would lose a teacher as a result of changes to the pupil-teacher ratio.
However, 34 schools have had the decision reversed, based on an expected increase in enrolment for the coming school year.
The Department of Education said this means just 39 small schools out of a total number of 3,200 nationwide will lose a classroom teacher this year.
The Department released the appeals data this afternoon.
It said the Government recognised that small schools were an important part of the social fabric of rural communities.
The Department said it would continue to be a feature of the education landscape.
However, it said teachers in small schools could not be immune from the requirement that was being asked of all public servants to deliver a public service with reduced resources.
The Department said the decision to reverse the cuts for 34 schools is provisional and conditional on confirmation in September that enrolment meets the required new level.
