Research in this area addresses policy issues critical to achieving greater equality of educational outcomes in Ireland and improving the experience of students, teachers, principals and other stakeholders across the education system. Education issues have long been a focus of ESRI research, producing diverse multi-disciplinary studies to equip policymakers with critical analysis of key challenges in the sector. Recent years have seen a focus on placing the student voice at the centre of the research, providing important insights into the experiences of students within and across the school system, their reflections on choices made and their post-school pathways.

In collaboration with researchers in Communications and Transport, current research is examining the rollout of high-speed broadband to second-level schools, the role of ICT in teaching and learning and the relationship between the use of ICT in primary and second-level schools and educational and social outcomes. Current research also includes an evaluation of the Post-Leaving-Certificate programme, the role of special classes in primary and second-level schools, children’s integration into primary education and young people’s participation in cultural activities.