North west Dublin schools see 14% jump in students going to college

Secondary schools in north west Dublin have seen a 14% increase in the number of students progressing on to third level education.

The figures, which were released today by the Department of Education, show that schools in D9 and D11 saw a large increase in students going to college or other third level institutions from 2019 to 2020.

Fianna Fail TD for Dublin North West, Paul McAuliffe welcomed the findings.

“There has been a 14% increase in third level progression from Dublin North West schools from 47% in 2019 increasing to 61% in 2020.

“I would like to congratulate all schools who have seen an increase in third level progression.”

“The additional 1000 college places made available by the new government helped to widen the access to education for this year.”

Deputy McAuliffe said that the calculalted grades process designated to leaving certificate this year “may also have contributed to some of the increase in points.”

“However,  the substantial growth in the number of students progressing to third level is very welcome.”

Deputy McAuliffe said that “breaking down barriers” to third level education is a goal of his.

“Any student who has the ambition to go to third level education should be supported as much as possible.

“I will be encouraging the relevant ministers to ensure the additional college places are supplied next year in conjunction with continued supports for our schools,” he said.

New Cross College in Finglas saw the greatest leap in students attending third level education, with 100 students progressing this year compared to 27 last year.

Colaiste Eoin, Finglas also saw a large improvement with 69 students going on to third level education compared to 11 last year.