Counties with Ireland's largest and smallest primary-school classes revealed, as average size hits lowest level in more than 25 years

"Kildare schools had the biggest average classes, while the smallest were in Longford Average class sizes in primary schools have fallen to their lowest level in over a quarter of a century as a result of almost 18,000 fewer pupils in first-level education in the 2024/25 school year. New figures published by the Department of Education show the downward trend in enrolments in primary schools has resulted in the average class size dropping to 22.2 pupils per class - down from 22.5 in 2023/24."

"Average class sizes in primary schools have fallen to their lowest level in over a quarter of a century as a result of almost 18,000 fewer pupils in first-level education in the 2024/25 school year. New figures published by the Department of Education show the downward trend in enrolments in primary schools has resulted in the average class size dropping to 22.2 pupils per class - down from 22.5 in 2023/24."

Average class sizes in primary schools fell to 22.2 pupils in 2024/25, down from 22.5 in 2023/24. The decline followed almost 18,000 fewer pupils in first-level education, producing the lowest average class size in over a quarter of a century. The Department of Education reported a continuing downward enrolment trend in primary schools that caused the reduction. Kildare schools recorded the largest average class sizes, while Longford recorded the smallest. The figures reflect regional variation in pupil numbers and class organisation across counties and indicate shifting demand and capacity pressures within the primary education system.

Read at Independent