Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the publication of the Annual Education Indicators Report 2023–2024, describing it as a clear sign that sustained investment in education is delivering real results across the country.

The comprehensive report, compiled jointly by the Departments of Education and Youth; Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; and Children, Disability and Equality, highlights progress across early learning and care, schools, further and higher education, apprenticeships and adult learning.

Among the findings is that 96% of children aged between 3 and 5 are now participating in early learning and care, funded by Government. Supports for children with additional needs have almost doubled since 2021, while participation in the National Childcare Scheme has increased by 71% in the same period. The early years workforce has also expanded, with staffing up 17% since 2019.

At school level, the pupil-teacher ratio has improved, now standing at 12.8 in primary and 12.2 in post-primary schools. The number of teaching posts has steadily increased, helping to reduce class sizes and boost supports for special education. Over 10,000 children and young people received support from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) last year, highlighting the growing reach of mental health and wellbeing services in schools.

The report also shows that more students are making the transition from post-primary to third level, with the progression rate now at 64.7%. Notably, the gap between DEIS and non-DEIS schools in higher education entry is continuing to narrow. Over 78,000 students received higher education grants in 2023, an increase of more than 18,000 on the previous year.

Minister Canney also welcomed the continued rise in apprenticeships, with nearly 27,500 people enrolled in 2023 — the highest number to date. He highlighted the increasing popularity of consortia-led apprenticeship programmes in areas such as tech, engineering and financial services, and noted that certification numbers have also reached record highs. “Apprenticeships are now a first-choice pathway for thousands of learners,” he said, “and they’re playing a vital role in delivering the skilled workforce we need.”

Minister Canney concluded by saying: “This report tells a hopeful story about where Irish education is headed. We’re seeing real improvements in access, in equity, and in outcomes — from the earliest years through to adult learning. The work isn’t finished, but we are firmly on the right track.”

Key Data from Annual Education Indicators Report 2023–2024

96% of children aged 3–5 now in the early learning system
8,152 children supported through Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), up from 4,238 in 2021
33,595 children availing of the National Childcare Scheme in 2024 (71% increase since 2021)
Early years workforce grew by 17% (from 30,363 in 2019 to 35,525 in 2024)
Pupil-teacher ratio: 12.8 (primary), 12.2 (post-primary)
DEIS post-primary school retention: 90.0% (up from 83.8% in 2019)
NEPS supported over 10,000 children in 2023/24 (up from ~6,000 in 2019/20)
Special class enrolment up: +70.8% in primary, +98.9% in post-primary
Special school enrolment increased by 12.4%
64.7% transition from post-primary to higher education
The gap in higher education progression rates between DEIS and non-DEIS schools narrowed by 2.7%
Over 78,000 learners received full-time student grants in 2023
Postgraduate enrolments increased (full-time and part-time)
46% of first-year students needing accommodation housed in student-specific accommodation
Almost 27,500 apprentices registered in 2023 (record high)
Strong uptake in consortia-led programmes
Certification levels at highest level to date
48.3% of adults participated in learning in the past year (up 2.3% since 2017)