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Dressed For Success

Three Midlands Schools Among Top "Feeder Schools" In Ireland

Tuesday, 12 December 2023 08:53

By Kamron Clarke X @kamron_clarke

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An average of more than 7 in 10 pupils in the region went on to third-level education after Leaving Cert 2023.

Three midlands schools are boasting some of the highest rates in terms of students progressing to third-level education.

The latest Irish Times Feeder Schools Report shows 111% of leavers in Our Lady's Bower Secondary School in Athlone have gone on to third-level.

That's followed by a figure of 104% in Scoil Chroist Ri in Portlaoise, and 101% in Sacred Heart Secondary School in Tullamore.

There was an average progression rate of 77% among those who sat the Leaving Cert in Offaly in 2023 - that number is 75% in Westmeath and 71% in Laois.

The overall national figure is around 80%, while fee paying schools say 99% of their pupils progress.

The report also shows the gap between students in DEIS schools progressing to higher education compared to those in private schools is closing.

Education Correspondent with the Irish Times, Carl O'Brien, says more students from schools in disadvantaged schools are also progressing:

Apprenticeships would never show up in a league table, because of the "degree of snobbery" portrayed towards them.

They're the thoughts of Offaly's John Irwin, General Secretary Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools.

Mr. Irwin, who's also a former Principal at Gallen Community School in Ferbane, says we need the skills provided by apprenticeships:

 

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