Study shows high rate of early school leaving

Almost 3,400 pupils leave school every year without any formal qualifications, according to a survey by the National Economic and Social Forum.

The survey shows that as many as 13,000 pupils drop out of school before their Leaving Certificate each year.

It advises that the problem be tackled a lot earlier than Junior Certificate level.

The NESF survey also recommends action to reduce the number of Leaving Cert students working while in school.

Nearly 60% of those questioned admitted working in part-time jobs while studying for their final exams.