Emma O Kelly

Education Correspondent

Tusla has confirmed that over 110,000 primary and 65,000 post-primary students missed 20 or more days during that academic year

'Hugely alarming' as primary school absenteeism up 8.6%

Data from the child and family agency Tusla has shown a dramatic increase in primary pupil absenteeism in recent years with the latest figures showing that 8.6% of school days at primary level were lost to pupil absences in the 2022/23 school year.

Education • 19 May

Since 2012, students who achieve a score of 40% or more in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Maths gain an additional 25 points

'Unintended' impacts of Higher Level Maths bonus points

The awarding of bonus points to students who achieve a pass or more in Higher Level Maths has had unintended negative consequences and should be re-assessed, a new study has found.

Leaving Cert • 16 May

One aim of the course is to channel student anxiety into positive action to will empower them and give them hope

New Leaving Cert course aims to promote climate activism

A new Leaving Certificate subject aims to encourage students to become activists on issues related to climate change.

Ireland • 16 May

St Anne's Community College in Co Clare is among the first 57 schools to offer Drama, Film and Theatre Studies

New drama Leaving Cert course 'something to be embraced'

A Co Clare school, which is among the first 57 schools to offer Drama, Film and Theatre Studies, is throwing their energy into final preparations for an arts festival they are running.

Education • 14 May

James Lawless said he intended to inform the Government of his formal plans this week

Minister to invite US scholars to Ireland for 'stability'

Ireland has a unique opportunity to capitalise on attacks by the Trump administration on US universities by becoming "a welcoming host for the best and the brightest" fleeing the US university system, Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless has said.

Ireland • 16 May

The fee-charging school currently caters to over 260 day and boarding junior and senior cycle boys

Cistercian College in Roscrea to welcome girls in 2026

A Tipperary boarding school that has only educated boys for the past 120 years will become co-educational next year.

Education • 09 May

The Teachers Union of Ireland has advised its members to accept a newly proposed support package following discussions between unions and the Department of Education

TUI urges members to support Leaving Certificate reform

Talks over Leaving Certificate subject reforms between the teacher unions and the Department of Education have concluded, with a package of supports offered for implementation of Senior Cycle Redevelopment from September.

Education • 09 May

Staff at the school were told last September that the decision had been made

Protest held at Dublin school over Gaelcholáiste plan

Teachers and parents at a Dublin secondary school have protested over plans to transform the school into a Gaelcholáiste next year.

Education • 08 May

A report of admission policies found children are being excluded in different ways

Admission policies for special classes 'concerning'

Department of Education inspectors have described as "concerning" the findings of a review of enrolment policies across several schools with special classes, which found that most of them have policies that could prevent children with the greatest levels of need from accessing a place.

Education • 07 May

The study found substantial financial barriers faced by Traveller and Roma communities which hinder access to higher education

Study shows barriers faced by Roma and Traveller students

Persistent structural racism and intergenerational trauma stemming from educational discrimination are among the barriers that Traveller and Roma students continue to face in higher education, according to a new study.

Education • 07 May