There has been no improvement in the percentage of students completing secondary school since the early 1990s, according to a new report.
The research into early school leavers was carried out by the ESRI for the Department of Education and deals with figures from 2003/2004.
It found that 14% of students left secondary school before taking their Leaving Cert, with 4% leaving without any qualification.
The report also found that of the 18% of students who left school early in the 2003 school year the majority were male.
Most cited 'school-related factors' for their decision to leave.
According to the report 45% of school leavers participated in part-time work while at school, the majority of which was weekend work.
However, the report noted that while the proportions leaving school early have remained unchanged, some of these early leavers are pursuing alternative educational courses.
53% of those leaving prior to the Leaving Cert progressed to post-school education or training.
Overall four out of five school leavers are generally satisfied with their present economic situation.
