More than half of girls in single-sex schools see limited subject choice as a barrier to pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), according to a new survey.
The annual Survey of Female Students' Attitudes to STEM was conducted by I Wish, a national non-profit organisation that empowers girls to see the potential of STEM.
The research shows that among the 2,335 Transition Year female students surveyed in single-sex schools, just 5% reported access to construction studies and 6% to engineering, compared with 84% and 74% respectively in mixed schools.
According to the study, 55% of girls in single-sex schools cite limited subject choice as a barrier to STEM, versus 37% in mixed schools.
The report calls for urgent action to ensure equal access to STEM education for every girl in Ireland.
"We’re seeing real progress as more young women than ever before are pursuing STEM at third level, and that’s something to celebrate," said I Wish co-founder Gillian Keating.
"But this year’s findings make it clear that the pipeline is still too narrow at the start. Limited subject choices, particularly in single-sex schools, continue to restrict girls’ opportunities," Ms Keating said.
The 11th annual I Wish Festival, taking place on 5 February 2026 at the RDS Dublin, which will bring together over 4,000 students to hear from leading female voices in global STEM industries.
"Almost half of the students surveyed express a growing anxiety about maths, and that’s a concern," said I Wish co-founder Caroline O’Driscoll.
"On a more positive note, 50% of students want more STEM activities in the classroom, with 95% of girls saying they believed that girls can be just as good as boys in STEM," Ms O'Driscoll said.
Speaking at the launch of the report at Government Buildings, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the survey findings reinforce that early engagement is essential.
"This Government is fully committed to addressing the barriers facing females in STEM and ensuring every girl has the opportunity to shape their future through science, technology, engineering and mathematics," Mr Martin said.
