Irish students outclass all of Europe as 15-year-olds rank highest in reading

Irish students outclass all of Europe as 15-year-olds rank highest in reading The study found that the Irish students ranked first for reading, third for science, and fourth for mathematics, a positive finding for the Irish education system View 2 Images A new international study has found that Ireland's 15 year-olds have ranked the highest in Europe for reading (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) A new international study has found that Ireland's 15-year-olds have ranked the highest in Europe for reading, while also ranking in the top four for both mathematics and science. ‌ The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) analyses how a selection of 15-year-old students fare across 27 European Union countries and is conducted every four years. The study found that the Irish students ranked first for reading, third for science and fourth for mathematics in a positive finding for the Irish education system. The PISA study involves EU countries as part of the OECD, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which includes 38 nations. Article continues below Colorful school named Ireland's favorite building ahead of international competition READ MORE : Education secretary Linda McMahon defends disbanding the Department of Education READ MORE : Member countries outside of the European Union also include the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, among others. In the study, declines were observed across all three core domains in the OECD and EU. Ireland also experienced such declines, but to a lesser extent. Irish students ranked above the EU and OECD averages in computational problem solving. ‌ View 2 Images Irish students ranked above the EU and OECD averages in computational problem solving. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) The study also found considerably lower proportions of 'low performers'. A low performer in PISA terms is considered a student lacking key skills and competencies. "I am particularly pleased that Ireland continues to have one of the lowest proportions of lower-achieving students across the OECD and EU," said Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton. ‌ "Our reading performance remains a significant success story. Irish students continue to rank among the very best readers in Europe, maintaining their first-place position in the EU. For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here. "However, we cannot ignore the fact that reading achievement has declined internationally. ‌ The full report includes analysis of trends, findings based on genders, and a comparative look at the study findings to identify areas that can be improved or better utilized. "While our mathematics performance remains above OECD and EU averages, the results also highlight a trend of decline that has been observed both here and internationally. "We must carefully examine these findings and continue to strengthen our efforts to improve numeracy outcomes for all learners," the minister said. For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here.