Ireland is best for completion of second level education

The OECD report Education at a Glance 2015, published today, shows that Ireland is one of the best performing countries in the world in terms of the number of students completing second-level education.

Ireland has a 98 per cent completion rate at second level compared to the OECD average of 85 per cent. Ireland is ranked third out of 18 countries for second-level school completion.

Ireland also continues to be a leader in terms of the percentage of students who progress to third level.

ASTI General Secretary Pat King said that despite the implementation of devastating education cutbacks in recent years, second-level schools and teachers continue to prioritise the delivery of a quality education to all students.

“Completing second-level education is highly correlated to employment status, lifetime earnings and the wellbeing of individuals,” said ASTI General Secretary Pat King. “A country’s completion rates for second and third-level education are vital to the development of a workforce which can compete in a global knowledge economy and a society that supports and empowers its citizens.”