Significant Increase In DEIS School Students Completing Leaving Cert

I welcome the significant increase in the retention rate of young people attending DEIS schools with 82.1% of young people who began secondary school in 2008, now completing the Leaving Cert in comparison to a completion rate of just 68.2% in 2001. The findings, published in the School Retention Report by Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan TD, examine the progress of 56,075 students throughout their second-level journey.

　

Overall, more students are finishing their Leaving Cert than ten years ago, which is very encouraging news to get from the findings of the Department of Education. This confirms that the hard work of teachers, school leaders, principals, parents and people employed in DEIS schools, is paying off and it is a fantastic achievement. It is this hard work, dedication and commitment, which has led Ireland to have the 8th highest secondary school completion rate in the EU, and I look forward to helping schools and students to build upon that achievement.

　

However, despite the many positives in the report and despite progress made by many organisations, including the invaluable contribution of Youthreach and training courses to young people, I am concerned that one in every ten students dropout for various reasons, which is a sad reality. As a former teacher, I will continue to strive and work to help and support my colleagues, as we work on behalf of students and teachers working in Louth schools.

　

I look forward to further engagement with the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan TD, to work together to help and support students, teachers, principals and parents alike to continue the fantastic work that they do every day."