9th September 2025
Overcrowded Classrooms
Ireland: 23 pupils per class. EU25 average: 19
The latest OECD Education at a Glance report once again confirms that Ireland’s primary school class sizes remain well above international norms – exceeding the OECD average of 21 and the EU 25 average of 19 pupils. The Department of Education and Youth’s own figures showed an average class size of 22.2 for the last school year, but this is not reflected in the Report.
Currently, the staffing schedule for primary schools is based on one mainstream class teacher per 23 pupils. To ensure equal opportunities for all pupils, this schedule must be significantly reduced. The Programme for Government commits to class sizes of 19. Achieving this target will require a reduction in the schedule of at least four pupils per teacher. With nearly 45% of Ireland’s primary school classes exceeding the EU average of 19 last year, a reduction of two pupils per class in Budget 2026, with proportionate reductions for DEIS Band One schools, is the minimum necessary to lay the pathway the Government to meet its commitment of 19 pupils per class within its term.
The Education at a Glance 2025 report underscores the importance of adequate staffing quoting a study by Werler and Tahirsylaj, 2020[15]) stating: “Primary school teachers play a pivotal role in children’s cognitive, emotional and social development… Lower student–teacher ratios in primary education can enhance these interactions by giving teachers more time and flexibility to engage with each student.”
Low Overall Investment
The report also highlights Ireland’s low investment in education. Ireland ranks lowest in the OECD for expenditure per student as a percentage of GDP per capita.
Overall, Ireland places 18th for education spending per student – languishing behind Korea, Luxembourg, Switzerland and behind 11 other European countries including Norway, Austria, Iceland, Belgium, Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Italy, and the UK.
Primary Teaching Hours Well Above Average
Across OECD countries, compulsory instruction time for primary students averages 804 hours per year. In Ireland, it stands at 903 hours – 12% higher.
(Table D.1.1)
Irish primary teachers teach 99 more hours annually than their OECD counterparts, many of whom benefit from dedicated non-pupil contact time for planning, training, and policy development. There is a strong case for repurposing 30 teaching hours in Ireland to support the implementation of the revised curriculum.
This will still leave Ireland with pupil contact time significantly above the OECD average.
INTO Response
Reacting to the report, INTO General Secretary John Boyle called for urgent action:
Our classrooms are still seriously overcrowded. Class sizes must be reduced by two points on budget day.
Primary schools are operating under severe financial constraints, struggling to cover basic running costs. The Government’s continued underfunding not only places undue pressure on schools but also compromises the quality of education for our children.”
We are calling for a €75 increase in the primary capitation grants paid annually to primary and special schools – to alleviate this burden and ensure sustainable, adequate funding for primary education in Ireland. It is imperative that the Government steps up to deliver its constitutional obligation to provide truly free primary education for all.
As part of its pre-budget campaign, the INTO is reiterating its demands for:
- Smaller class sizes
- Special educational needs coordinators
- Increased capitation grants
- Support for clusters of small schools
These measures are essential to bring Ireland’s primary education system in line with OECD standards. Add your voice to the campaign – email your TD today.