Towards a Better Future

Towards a Better Future: A Review of the Irish School System
The proportion of early school leavers in Ireland, at 6.9%, is smaller than the EU average, which is
11%. In relation to performance, the 2014 National Assessment Survey at primary level has shown
significant increases in achievement in English, Reading and Mathematics when compared with the
previous survey in 2009. The performance of Irish students as measured by the most recent
international assessments available is indicated in the following summary points:
PISA 2015 (15-year-olds)
■ Reading: significantly above OECD average
■ 3 rd out of 35 OECD countries, seventh out of all participating countries
■ Mathematics: significantly above OECD average (though not among high-performing
countries)
■ 13 th out of OECD countries, 18th out of all participating countries
■ Science: significantly above the OECD average and significantly better than 2006 when
Science was first tested
■ 13 th among the OECD countries, 19th out of all participating countries.
PIRLS 2011 (Reading at primary level, 4th grade)
■ Irish students scored significantly above international average
■ Ranked 10 th out of 45 participating countries
■ Students in only five countries scored significantly better.
TIMSS, 2015 - Primary
■ Mathematics: 9 th out of 49 participating countries
■ Science: 19 th out of 47 participating countries.
TIMSS, 2015 - Post-Primary
■ Mathematics: 9 th out of 39 participating countries
■ Science: 10 th out of 39 participating countries.
When one notes the pattern of completion of education of Irish students and students
internationally, one detects a major change for the younger age groups, reflective of the advances
made in Ireland in recent decades on educational provision. In 2015, 92.7% of Irish 20-24 year
olds had attained Leaving Certificateor its equivalent, the third highest proportion of the 28 EU
member states. Indeed, Irish 25-34 year olds are above both the EU and OECD averages in
completing secondary education.
— viii —