The best students in history: more stay to Leaving than ever

The number of students staying on to do their Leaving Cert at school is higher than ever, according to a new report.

Young men in particular, are staying on to complete their second level education in greater numbers than previous generations, the Department of Education study shows. It compared students who entered secondary school between 1991 and 2004.

The number staying on to do the leaving has increased by 6pc to 88pc in eight years and girls are more likely to go the distance at second level with 86pc staying on compared to 82pc of boys.

However, the number of boys staying on in school has increased by almost 12pc.

Students in Co Longford are most likely to complete second level, while drop out levels are highest in cities, including Cork, Dublin and Limerick, the study found.

The number of students attending schools in disadvantaged areas completing their Leaving Cert exams, is up 5pc to 73pc.

Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn said issues in the labour market and extra resources for schools have probably helped improve the numbers of students staying in school.

- Independent.ie reporters