The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) today described the findings of the PISA 2025 study as a resounding endorsement of the work in Irish school communities at a time when the country continues to underinvest in international terms.
Students in Ireland ranked significantly above the EU and OECD averages in mathematics, science and reading, with reading performance the highest across EU countries. Irish students were ranked third in science and fourth in mathematics in the EU.
The TUI has warned that it will be difficult to maintain this excellent international standing if we continue to underinvest in education on a national level.
Speaking today, TUI General Secretary Michael Gillespie said:
‘These new findings, which show that Irish students’ scores were significantly above the EU and OECD averages, are a tribute to the work being carried out in Irish school communities every day. It is also important to note that this study was carried out at a time when the country remains rooted to the bottom of the league table in terms of investment at second level, which makes this an even greater achievement.’
‘This unacceptable era of underinvestment is resulting in larger class sizes, inadequate access to modern, subject-specific facilities and subjects being taught in spaces that are not suited to modern teaching and learning. Should this short-sighted approach continue, it will be difficult to maintain such a high international standing in similar, future studies.’
‘Of course, we would also caution today that high-quality, fully-inclusive education is about much more than test scores.’
‘In this regard, schools need additional posts of responsibility to enhance pastoral care for students in today’s increasingly challenging world. These posts were cut in the last recession and never fully restored, and additional posts are also required to assist with the significant current burdens of implementing new curricula.’
‘We must also work to ensure that all students have access to the same digital devices, irrespective of the postcode of their school.’
‘Our members are also concerned and frustrated by ever-growing bureaucratic and administrative duties that deflect from the core role of teaching.’
‘Overall, today’s findings make clear the excellent work that is being carried out in schools on a daily basis. We urge our policymakers to match the commitment of students and teachers and to finally provide to a level of investment that will allow all students to realise their potential.’