Irish 15-year-olds rank first in reading, third in science, and fourth in mathematics across the 27 European Union member states, according to the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) report published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Despite outperforming their continental peers in relative rankings, students in Ireland have experienced measurable declines in reading and math proficiency over the past decade, mirroring a broader international downward trend.
The triennial PISA study evaluated approximately 750,000 students across 91 countries, including just over 6,000 students in 172 Irish schools tested between March and April of the prior year. According to findings reported by The Irish Times, average reading scores in Ireland dropped from 521 in 2015 to 500 in the most recent assessment. Over the same ten-year period, Irish mathematics scores fell from 504 to 480. Science scores remained comparatively stable, shifting only slightly from 503 to 500.
On a global scale, the OECD recorded average reading score drops of 28 points across member countries, while math scores fell by an average of 22 points. The OECD characterized the widespread decline in reading as particularly concerning, noting that literacy skills underpin learning across the curriculum and are essential for evaluating information in a digital society.
International Trends and Digital Distractions
The OECD stated that the weakening of student performance predates the COVID-19 pandemic in many nations, indicating persistent structural challenges within global education systems. Researchers tied the drop in literacy directly to modern technological shifts, pointing out that increased digitalisation, longer screen times, and falling rates of reading for enjoyment have coincided with weaker educational outcomes worldwide.
Students are reportedly less capable of reading carefully and with sustained attention than ever before. Furthermore, the OECD data indicates that countries suffering the sharpest declines in reading ability also tended to record the largest drops in mathematics and science performance.
When evaluated against all OECD member nations rather than strictly within the EU, Ireland placed seventh for reading skills, 14th for mathematics, and 15th for science. Irish students continue to score above the OECD average across all three evaluated disciplines.
Official Response from the Department of Education
Responding to the international data, Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton acknowledged both the country’s strong relative standing and the undeniable erosion of core academic scores over time.
“Ireland continues to perform strongly on the international stage, and reading performance remains a significant success story,” Minister Naughton stated, according to The Irish Times. “However, we cannot ignore the fact that reading achievement has declined internationally. We must continue to promote literacy, foster a love of reading and support strong reading habits both in our schools and in our homes.”
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