Irish Teens Lead EU in Reading Skills, Topping Global Education Study of 81 Countries
In a comprehensive global study comparing education standards across 81 countries, Irish teenagers have secured the top spot for reading skills within the EU and are ranked first among the 37 OECD nations. The Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa), conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), measured the proficiency of 15-year-olds in using their knowledge and skills in reading, mathematics, and science to meet real-world challenges.
The 2022 Pisa results, based on a representative sample of 5,569 students from 170 schools in Ireland, showcased above-average scores in all three areas. Despite a marginal decline in mean scores for reading and mathematics compared to the 2018 assessment, Ireland’s global rankings improved due to a notable drop in performance observed among other countries. Ireland secured the first position for reading within the EU.
In science, Irish teenagers achieved a mean score of 504, marking an eight-point increase from 2018 and elevating Ireland’s overall standing from 22nd to 12th globally. While the mean score in mathematics experienced a slight decrease by eight points to 492, Ireland’s global ranking improved from 21st to 11th.
The OECD emphasised an “unprecedented drop in performance” across many countries, contributing to Ireland’s relatively strong performance despite marginal decreases in scores. The study highlighted declines in countries such as Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Poland, with significant drops of 25 points or more in mathematics between 2018 and 2022.
Singapore claimed the top position in all three categories in the delayed 2022 assessment, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ireland surpassed the UK in all tested areas, a reversal from the 2018 results, when the UK outperformed Ireland in science and mathematics.
While acknowledging a decline in mathematics results since 2018, Education Minister Norma Foley pointed out that Ireland’s students are still performing above average. Foley expressed optimism in learning from the results and implementing measures to further develop students’ critical thinking skills.
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