Should children be starting school at a later age?

The trend towards a later school starting age is growing. What implications — if any — does this have have on policy and costs, asks Education Correspondent Niall Murray.

CLOSE to 72,000 children began their formal schooling in recent days, and around 90% of them will go on to sit the Leaving Certificate in around 14 years if the current school completion trends are maintained.

The fact that children are starting at an older age has been highlighted previously in the Irish Examiner, and our latest analysis of official figures show the trend has been continuing.