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International comparison:
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For more information on this release:
E-mail: Education@cso.ie Helen McGrath (+353) 21 453 5108
For general information on CSO statistics:
information@cso.ie (+353) 21 453 5000 On-line ISSN
CSO statistical release, , 11am

Educational Attainment Thematic Report

2017

Summary of main results, Q2 2017
 Persons aged 25-64
Highest level of education attained% of totalEmployment rateUnemployment rate
Primary or below63514
Lower secondary125710
Higher secondary23707
Post leaving certificate13747
Third level45853
Total persons aged 25 to 64 100746

Employment rate increases as education level rises

Figure 1 Employment and unemployment rates for those aged 25-64, classified by highest level of education attained, Q2 2017
go to full release

Higher educational attainment levels are associated with higher employment rates. Persons aged 25-64 years old with a third level qualification were more than twice as likely to be employed (85%) than those with no formal education/primary education (35%) in Q2 2017. See Figure 1.

Higher educational attainment levels are linked with lower unemployment rates. Those with primary education/no formal education were over four times more likely to be unemployed in Q2 2017 (14%) when compared with those who had a third level qualification (3%).

The proportion of those with a third level qualification was 45% in Q2 2017, while one in sixteen (6%) reported that they had primary education/no formal education. 

Educational level by age 

Younger age groups reported the highest levels of third level attainment with over half of the 25-34 and 35-44 year olds in this category (53% and 52% respectively) compared to just over a quarter (27%) of 60-64 year olds. This reflects increased levels of participation in third level education over time.  See Table 2 and Figure 2. 

The gap between males and females is more evident in younger age groups. Females aged 20-24 and 25-34 years olds were far more likely to have a third level qualification in Q2 2017 with rates of 33% and 59% respectively. The equivalent rates for males were 24% for the 20-24 age group and 47% for the 25-34 age group. However there was little difference in older age groups with a 2 percent difference between males and females aged 55-59 (32% and 34%) and no difference for the 60-65 age group (both at 27%).

A fifth of persons (20%) aged 60-64 years old had primary education/no formal education. There was little difference between male and female rates within this age group (20% and 19% respectively).

Primary or below Lower secondaryHigher secondaryPost Leaving CertificateThird level
15-19 years24561910
20-24 years24581026
25-34 years26251453
35-44 years48221452
45-54 years715231441
55-59 years1219231333
60-64 years202123927

Over the last nine years, there has been an increase in the proportion of those aged 25-64 years old with a third level education from 35% in Q2 2009 to 45% in Q2 2017. This was accompanied by a steady decrease in the proportion with primary education/no formal education from 13% in Q2 2009 to 6% in Q2 2017. See Figure 3.

The percentage of males with primary education/no formal education halved in the last nine years from 14% in Q2 2009 to 7% in Q2 2017. The corresponding proportion of females dropped from 11% to 6%.

Primary or belowLower secondaryHigher secondaryPost leaving cert.Third Level
20091316231336
20101114241238
20111014241339
20121014231340
2013913231342
2014813241441
2015812241343
2016812241343
2017612231345

Education Level by nationality

Irish nationals have a consistently lower educational attainment than those from the United Kingdom (UK) and the other EU15 states. In Q2 2017, over four in ten Irish nationals (44%) aged 25-64 years old had a third level qualification while the corresponding proportions of UK nationals and the other EU15 states (excluding Ireland and the UK) were 56% and 80% respectively. The only nationality group with a lower rate of third level attainment than Irish nationals was the group of nationals from the EU15-28 states who are usually resident in Ireland.  See Table 3 and Figure 4.

Primary or belowLower secondaryHigher secondaryPost Leaving CertificateThird Level
Irish713231444
United Kingdom511181156
EU-15 excl. Ire & UK2111680
EU-15 to EU-2844371738
Other3219670

Education level by region

In Dublin, over half of persons (54%) aged 25-64 years old had a third level qualification in Q2 2017, compared to just over a third (34%) in the Midlands. See Table 4 and Map 1.1.

One in eight persons (12%) aged 25-64 years old in the Border region had a primary level education or no formal education in Q2 2017. Conversely, only 4% of persons had a primary education level or below in the Mid-East. See Table 4 and Map 1.2.

This map is © Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved. License number 01/05/001.
This map is © Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved. License number 01/05/001.

Education level and the labour force 

Employment rates for those aged 25-64 years old increased as the level of education attained increased and this relationship is stronger for females than for males.  In Q2 2017, females aged 25-64 years old with a third level qualification were over three times as likely to be employed (81%) compared to females with a primary education or no formal education (25%). On the other hand, males aged 25-64 years old with a third level qualification were over twice as likely to be employed (90%) than those with a primary education or no formal education (42%). See Table 5.1 and Figure 5.1.

Unemployment rates for those aged 25-64 years old clearly fell as the level of education attained increased. In Q2 2017, males aged 25-64 years old with a primary education or below were over three times as likely to be unemployed (15%) compared to males with a third level qualification (4%). The corresponding values for females in Q2 2017 were 11% and 3%. See Table 5.2 and Figure 5.2.

The labour force participation rate is the number of persons in the labour force expressed as a percentage of the total population.  In Q2 2017, females aged 25-64 years old with a third level qualification were over two times as likely to be in the labour force (83%) compared to females with a primary education or below (31%). The corresponding values for males in Q2 2017 were 93% and 50% respectively. See Table 5.3.

Highest level of education attainedMaleFemaleTotal
Primary or below422535
Lower secondary714057
Higher secondary806070
Post leaving cert.836674
Third level908185
Highest level of education attainedMaleFemaleTotal
Primary or below15.33636166991131113.8095238095238
Lower secondary11.2308044923218910.1356525544251
Higher secondary7.245106631609767
Post leaving cert.6.0808435852372687
Third level4.115082060608722.720643803999263.39232102837329

Early school leavers

The latest available EU figures showed that in 2016 11% of all 18-24 year olds in the EU-28 member states were classified as early school leavers. The Irish equivalent rate was 6% in the same period. This ranked the country seventh lowest among EU member states. See Table 6.1 and Figure 6.1.

In Q2 2017, 5% of those aged 18-24 were defined as early school leavers, a decrease from 14% in Q2 2004. In Q2 2017, females aged 18-24 years old were less likely than males to be classified as early school leavers (7% versus 4%) – although this gap has decreased over time. See Table 6.2 and Figure 6.2.

Early school leavers as a % of persons aged 18-24EU-28 2016 average
Croatia2.810.7
Lithuania4.810.7
Slovenia4.910.7
Poland5.210.7
Luxembourg5.510.7
Greece6.210.7
Ireland6.310.7
Czech Republic6.610.7
Austria6.910.7
Denmark7.210.7
Slovakia7.410.7
Sweden7.410.7
Cyprus7.610.7
Finland7.910.7
Netherlands810.7
Belgium8.810.7
France8.810.7
Latvia1010.7
Germany 10.310.7
Estonia10.910.7
United Kingdom11.210.7
Hungary12.410.7
Bulgaria13.810.7
Italy13.810.7
Portugal1410.7
Romania18.510.7
Spain1910.7
Malta19.710.7

You can access this data on the Eurostat website.

Male Female Total
2004171014
200516912
200617913
200715812
200815711
200915711
201014912
201113811
201212810
20131068
2014857
2015856
2016746
2017745

Secondary level educational attainment 

The latest available EU figures showed that in 2016, 83% of all 20-24 year olds in the EU-28 member states had attained at least a higher secondary level of education. The corresponding figure for Ireland was 94%, ranking the country second among EU member states. See Table 7.1 and Figure 7.1.

In Q2 2017, over nine out of ten (94%) of those aged 20-24 years old had attained at least a higher secondary level of education in Ireland. The proportion has increased from 84% in Q2 2000. In Q2 2017, females aged 20-24 years old were more likely than males to have attained at least a higher secondary level education (96% versus 93%). See Table 7.2 and Figure 7.2.

Persons with at least a higher secondary education as a % of persons aged 20-24 EU-28 2016 average
Spain70.983.1
Denmark75.483.1
Luxembourg7783.1
Malta77.583.1
Portugal77.583.1
Germany77.783.1
Romania79.983.1
Netherlands80.583.1
Italy8183.1
Hungary83.583.1
Estonia83.883.1
Latvia84.883.1
Bulgaria8583.1
United Kingdom85.283.1
Belgium85.383.1
Sweden86.983.1
Finland87.783.1
France87.783.1
Austria89.583.1
Czech Republic89.683.1
Slovakia90.483.1
Poland90.883.1
Slovenia90.983.1
Cyprus91.283.1
Greece91.283.1
Lithuania91.783.1
Ireland93.683.1
Croatia96.383.1

You can access this data on the Eurostat website.

Male FemaleAll persons
2000808784
2001818985
2002808984
2003829086
2004829086
2005839087
2006819086
2007849187
2008849288
2009859289
2010869390
2011879290
2012879290
2013909492
2014929493
2015929593
2016929694
2017939694

Tertiary educational attainment

The latest available EU figures (2016) show that 39% of 30-34 year olds had a third level qualification. Ireland had the fourth highest third level educational attainment level at 53%, behind Cyprus (53%), Luxembourg (55%) and Lithuania (59%). See Table 8.1 and Figure 8.1.

The proportion of the 30-34 age group with a third level qualification has slowly increased in recent years. In Q2 2017, 53% of persons aged 30-34 years old had a third level qualification. In Q2 2009, the equivalent figure was 49%. See Table 8.2 and Figure 8.2.

From 2003, the gap between the genders has steadily increased, resulting in three in five females (60%) with a third level qualification compared to under half (46%) of males. 

 

Persons with a third level qualification as a % of persons aged 30-34EU-28 2016 average
Romania25.639.1
Italy26.239.1
Croatia29.339.1
Malta29.939.1
Slovakia31.539.1
Czech Rep.32.839.1
Hungary3339.1
Germany33.239.1
Bulgaria33.839.1
Portugal34.639.1
Austria40.139.1
Spain40.139.1
Greece42.739.1
Latvia42.839.1
France43.639.1
Slovenia44.239.1
Poland44.639.1
Estonia45.439.1
Belgium45.639.1
Netherlands45.739.1
Finland46.139.1
Denmark47.739.1
UK48.239.1
Sweden5139.1
Ireland52.939.1
Cyprus53.439.1
Luxembourg54.639.1
Lithuania58.739.1

You can access this data on the Eurostat website.

Male FemaleAll persons
2000262928
2001293130
2002313432
2003363535
2004374139
2005384341
2006364641
2007374842
2008405246
2009435549
2010455650
2011455651
2012465852
2013465852
2014455852
2015445852
2016465852
2017466053

Students

Approximately three in five persons (61%) aged 15-24 years old stated that they were a student in Q2 2017. This was an increase from 2009 where just under half (48%) of persons aged 15-24 years old reported that they were a student. See Table 9 and Figure 9.

Almost all persons aged 15-17 years old were classified as students in Q2 2017 (98% of 15 year olds, 97% of 16 year olds and 96% of 17 year olds). The largest drop for a single year increase in age in the proportion classified as students was observed between those aged 21 years (48%) and those aged 22 years (31%).

 

Year of AgeMaleFemale
159897
169598
179695
188285
196467
205160
214453
223231
231720
24911
Table 1 Percentage of persons aged 15-64, classified by sex and the highest level of education attained, Q2 2015 - Q2 2017
     % of persons
 Highest level of education attained NFQ 201520162017
Males aged 15 to 64
 Primary or belowNone/1/29109
 Lower Secondary3181717
 Higher Secondary4/5282727
 Post Leaving Certificate4/5/6111212
 Third Level, of which:6/7/8/9/10343436
      Higher Certificate or equivalent6333
      Ordinary Degree or equivalent7111011
      Honours bachelor degree or equivalent8141415
      Postgraduate qualification9/10778
 All males aged 15 to 64 100100100
    
Females aged 15 to 64
 Primary or belowNone/1/2887
 Lower Secondary3141413
 Higher Secondary4/5262525
 Post Leaving Certificate4/5/6111212
 Third Level, of which:6/7/8/9/10414242
      Higher Certificate or equivalent6443
      Ordinary Degree or equivalent7141414
      Honours bachelor degree or equivalent8151516
      Postgraduate qualification9/10889
 All females aged 15 to 64 100100100
    
All persons aged 15 to 64
 Primary or belowNone/1/2998
 Lower Secondary3161515
 Higher Secondary4/5272626
 Post Leaving Certificate4/5/6111212
 Third Level, of which:6/7/8/9/10383839
      Higher Certificate or equivalent6333
      Ordinary Degree or equivalent7121212
      Honours bachelor degree or equivalent8151515
      Postgraduate qualification9/10788
 All persons aged 15 to 64 100100100
Open in Excel: EDA2017 TBL1 (XLS 13KB)
Table 2 Highest level of education attained by persons aged 15-64, classified by age group, Q2 2015 - Q2 2017
% of persons
  Highest level of education attained
  Primary or below Lower secondaryHigher secondaryPost Leaving CertificateThird level (in total)Third Level, of which:Total
  Higher Certificate or equivalentOrdinary Degree or equivalentHonours bachelor degree or equivalentPostgraduate qualification
 NFQNone/1/234/54/5/66/7/8/9/106789/10 
YearAge group          
April to June 2015
 15-19 years225521110000100
 20-24 years1554102929162100
 25-34 years362613524152310100
 35-44 years4102213514171811100
 45-54 years817251437413137100
 55-59 years141926132831196100
 60-64 years25202292531084100
 All persons aged 15 to 64916271138312157100
           
April to June 2016
 15-19 years205423200000100
20-24 years2452123029163100
25-34 years362514514142211100
35-44 years492114525171811100
45-54 years915251437413138100
55-59 years1420251230311105100
60-64 years222023102631085100
 All persons aged 15 to 64915261238312158100
           
April to June 2017
 15-19 years225422200000100
20-24 years2456102838162100
25-34 years262514534132512100
35-44 years482214524161912100
45-54 years714231442415159100
55-59 years1219231333313107100
60-64 years20212392721096100
 All persons aged 15 to 64815261239312158100
Open in Excel: EDA2017 TBL2 (XLS 13KB)
Table 3 Highest level of education attained for persons aged 25-64, classified by nationality, Q2 2015 - Q2 2017
% of persons
  April to June 2015
Highest level of education attained NFQ IrishNon - IrishUnited KingdomEU-15 excl. Ire & UKEU-15 to EU-28OtherAll nationalities
Primary or belowNone/1/28443448
Lower secondary31451115312
Higher secondary4/523292219402124
Post Leaving Certificate4/5/6131112415713
Third Level, of which: 6/7/8/9/1042505173366543
     Higher Certificate or equivalent64452434
     Ordinary Degree or equivalent714161717141914
     Honours bachelor degree or equivalent816191833102816
     Postgraduate qualification9/1081212218159
All persons aged 25 to 64 100100100100100100100
         
  April to June 2016
Highest level of education attained NFQ IrishNon - IrishUnited KingdomEU-15 excl. Ire & UKEU-15 to EU-28OtherAll nationalities
Primary or belowNone/1/28451538
Lower secondary31341213212
Higher secondary4/523251811342024
Post Leaving Certificate4/5/6131312519713
Third Level, of which: 6/7/8/9/1041545381396943
     Higher Certificate or equivalent64444444
     Ordinary Degree or equivalent714171921151814
     Honours bachelor degree or equivalent815211933123116
     Postgraduate qualification9/1091311238179
All persons aged 25 to 64 100100100100100100100
         
  April to June 2017
Highest level of education attained NFQ IrishNon - IrishUnited KingdomEU-15 excl. Ire & UKEU-15 to EU-28OtherAll nationalities
Primary or belowNone/1/27452436
Lower secondary31341114212
Higher secondary4/523251811371923
Post Leaving Certificate4/5/6141111617613
Third Level, of which: 6/7/8/9/1044555680387045
     Higher Certificate or equivalent64342334
     Ordinary Degree or equivalent714162015141914
     Honours bachelor degree or equivalent817212136123017
     Postgraduate qualification9/10915122891910
All persons aged 25 to 64 100100100100100100100
Open in Excel: EDA2017 TBL3 (XLS 13KB)
Table 4 Highest level of education attained for persons aged 25-64, classified by sex and NUTS3 region, Q2 2017
          % of persons
   NUTS3 region
 Highest level of education attained NFQBorderDublinMid-EastMidlandMid-WestSouth-EastSouth-WestWestAll
Males aged 25 to 64
 Primary or belowNone/1/21565788777
 Lower secondary3181111211317121513
 Higher secondary4/5211925312824242723
 Post Leaving Certificate4/5/616915131320151113
 Third Level, of which: 6/7/8/9/10315544283831424042
      Higher Certificate or equivalent6334452443
      Ordinary Degree or equivalent712131391411131413
      Honours bachelor degree or equivalent8102517111313161217
      Postgraduate qualification9/1061310465999
 Total males aged 25 to 64 100100100100100100100100100
            
Females aged 25 to 64
 Primary or belowNone/1/2954656646
 Lower secondary3129101311119810
 Higher secondary4/5212223262621212723
 Post Leaving Certificate4/5/6171113171518141014
 Third Level, of which: 6/7/8/9/10415351394444505248
   Higher Certificate or equivalent6533455534
   Ordinary Degree or equivalent7171317131617181916
   Honours bachelor degree or equivalent8112219151615171618
   Postgraduate qualification9/1091511767111311
 Total females aged 25 to 64 100100100100100100100100100
            
All Persons aged 25 to 64
 Primary or belowNone/1/21264677666
 Lower secondary3151010171214101112
 Higher secondary4/5212124282722222723
 Post Leaving Certificate4/5/6171014151419151013
 Third Level, of which: 6/7/8/9/10365447344138464645
   Higher Certificate or equivalent6434453444
   Ordinary Degree or equivalent7141315111514151714
   Honours bachelor degree or equivalent8102418131414171417
  Postgraduate qualification9/1081411666101110
 Total persons aged 25 to 64 100100100100100100100100100
Open in Excel: EDA2017 TBL4 (XLS 14KB)
Table 5.1 Employment rates of persons aged 25-64, classified by sex and highest level of education attained, Q2 2015 - Q2 2017
% of persons
 Highest level of education attained NFQ 201520162017
Male employment rate
Primary or belowNone/1/2474642
Lower Secondary3697071
Higher Secondary4/5777880
Post Leaving Certificate4/5/6808283
Third Level, of which:6/7/8/9/10888890
     Higher Certificate or equivalent6838583
     Ordinary Degree or equivalent7868587
     Honours bachelor degree or equivalent8898891
     Postgraduate qualification9/10909192
Total male employment rate 787880
     
Female employment rate
Primary or belowNone/1/2242625
Lower Secondary3384040
Higher Secondary4/5586060
Post Leaving Certificate4/5/6646566
Third Level, of which:6/7/8/9/10797981
     Higher Certificate or equivalent6746776
     Ordinary Degree or equivalent7747676
     Honours bachelor degree or equivalent8818283
     Postgraduate qualification9/10858586
Total female employment rate 646567
     
All persons employment rate
Primary or belowNone/1/2363735
Lower Secondary3565757
Higher Secondary4/5676970
Post Leaving Certificate4/5/6727474
Third Level, of which:6/7/8/9/10838385
     Higher Certificate or equivalent6787579
     Ordinary Degree or equivalent7798081
     Honours bachelor degree or equivalent8858587
     Postgraduate qualification9/10878789
 Total persons employment rate 717274
Table 5.2 Unemployment rates of persons aged 25-64, classified by sex and highest level of education attained, Q2 2015 - Q2 2017
% of persons
 Highest level of education attained NFQ 201520162017
Male unemployment rate
Primary or belowNone/1/2212115
Lower Secondary3161311
Higher Secondary4/51197
Post Leaving Certificate4/5/61176
Third Level, of which:6/7/8/9/10554
     Higher Certificate or equivalent6788
     Ordinary Degree or equivalent7565
     Honours bachelor degree or equivalent8443
     Postgraduate qualification9/10443
Total male unemployment rate 1086
     
Female unemployment rate
Primary or belowNone/1/2161711
Lower Secondary318119
Higher Secondary4/51076
Post Leaving Certificate4/5/612108
Third Level, of which:6/7/8/9/10653
     Higher Certificate or equivalent67134
     Ordinary Degree or equivalent7753
     Honours bachelor degree or equivalent8543
     Postgraduate qualification9/10453
Total female unemployment rate 975
     
All persons unemployment rate
Primary or belowNone/1/2201914
Lower Secondary3171310
Higher Secondary4/51197
Post Leaving Certificate4/5/61187
Third Level, of which:6/7/8/9/10553
     Higher Certificate or equivalent67106
     Ordinary Degree or equivalent7664
     Honours bachelor degree or equivalent8443
     Postgraduate qualification9/10453
 Total unemployment rate 986
Table 5.3 Labour force participation rates of persons aged 25-64, classified by sex and the highest level of education attained, Q2 2015 - Q2 2017
% of persons
 Highest level of education attained NFQ 201520162017
Male participation rate
Primary or belowNone/1/2605750
Lower Secondary3828080
Higher Secondary4/5868686
Post Leaving Certificate4/5/6908988
Third Level, of which:6/7/8/9/10929293
     Higher Certificate or equivalent6899290
     Ordinary Degree or equivalent7919191
     Honours bachelor degree or equivalent8939294
     Postgraduate qualification9/10949495
Total male participation rate 868586
  
Female participation rate
Primary or belowNone/1/2283128
Lower Secondary3474544
Higher Secondary4/5656564
Post Leaving Certificate4/5/6727272
Third Level, of which:6/7/8/9/10848484
     Higher Certificate or equivalent6807779
     Ordinary Degree or equivalent7808079
     Honours bachelor degree or equivalent8858686
     Postgraduate qualification9/10889089
Total female participation rate 707071
     
All persons particpation rate
Primary or belowNone/1/2454640
Lower Secondary3676564
Higher Secondary4/5757675
Post Leaving Certificate4/5/6818180
Third Level, of which:6/7/8/9/10878788
     Higher Certificate or equivalent6848384
     Ordinary Degree or equivalent7858484
     Honours bachelor degree or equivalent8898990
     Postgraduate qualification9/10919291
 Total participation rate 787878
Table 6.1 Early school leavers1 as a percentage of persons aged 18-24 in EU member states, classified by sex, 2016
    % of persons
 Country MalesFemalesTotal
EU-28 12911
     
EU-15 13911
     
 Austria867
 Belgium1079
 Bulgaria141414
 Croatia423
 Cyprus1148
 Czech Republic777
 Denmark967
 Estonia14711
 Finland978
 France1089
 Germany111010
 Greece756
 Hungary131212
 Ireland856
 Italy161114
 Latvia14610
 Lithuania645
 Luxembourg746
 Malta231620
 Netherlands1068
 Poland645
 Portugal171114
 Romania181919
 Slovakia877
 Slovenia735
 Spain231519
 Sweden867
 United Kingdom131011
Source: Eurostat
The Eurostat figures for Ireland are derived on an annual average for 2016 and so may differ slightly from the values in Table 6.2.
1 See background notes for definition of an early school leaver.
Table 6.2 Early school leavers1 as a percentage of 18-24 year olds, classified by sex, Q2 2004 - Q2 2017
% of persons
 20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017
Male 171617151515141312108877
Female 109987798865544
Total 14121312111112111087665
1 See background notes for definition of an early school leaver.
Table 7.1 Percentage of persons aged 20-24 with at least a higher secondary education1 in EU member states, classified by sex, 2016
% of persons
 Country MalesFemalesTotal
EU-28 818683
     
EU-15 798582
     
Austria889190
Belgium838885
Bulgaria858585
Croatia969796
Cyprus879591
Czech Republic909090
Denmark718075
Estonia798884
Finland868988
France868988
Germany768078
Greece909291
Hungary838484
Ireland929594
Italy788581
Latvia808985
Lithuania899492
Luxembourg728277
Malta738278
Netherlands778481
Poland899391
Portugal738278
Romania817980
Slovakia919090
Slovenia889491
Spain657771
Sweden868887
 United Kingdom838885
Source: Eurostat
The Eurostat figures for Ireland are derived on an annual average for 2016 and so may differ slightly from the values in Table 7.2.
1 See background notes for definition of "at least a higher secondary education".
Table 7.2 Percentage of 20-24 year olds with at least a higher secondary level education1, classified by sex, Q2 2009 - Q2 2017
         % of persons
 200920102011201220132014201520162017
          
Male 858687879092929293
Female929392929494959696
All persons899090909293939494
1 See background notes for definition of "at least a higher secondary education".
Table 8.1 Percentage of persons aged 30-34 with a third level qualification1 in EU member states, classified by sex, 2016
    % of persons
 Country MalesFemalesTotal
EU-28 344439
     
EU-15  364440
     
 Austria384240
 Belgium405146
 Bulgaria274134
 Croatia223729
 Cyprus446253
 Czech Republic273933
 Denmark415548
 Estonia395245
 Finland385446
 France384944
 Germany333333
 Greece364943
 Hungary264033
 Ireland475953
 Italy203326
 Latvia305643
 Lithuania486959
 Luxembourg535755
 Malta273330
 Netherlands425046
 Poland365445
 Portugal274235
 Romania242726
 Slovakia243932
 Slovenia345544
 Spain344740
 Sweden435951
 United Kingdom465048
Source: Eurostat
The Eurostat figures for Ireland are derived on an annual average for 2016 and so may differ slightly from the values in Table 8.2.
1 See background notes for definition of a "third level qualification".
Open in Excel: EDA2017 TBL8.1 (XLS 9KB)
Table 8.2 Percentage of 30-34 year olds with a third level qualification1, classified by sex, Q2 2009 - Q2 2017
         % of persons
 200920102011201220132014201520162017
Male 434545464645444646
Female555656585858585860
All persons495051525252525253
1 See background notes for definition of a "third level qualification".
Table 9 Students1 as a proportion of population aged 15-24, classified by single year of age and sex, Q2 2009 - Q2 2017
          % of persons
 Year of age200920102011201220132014201520162017
Male students
 15999999979797989798
 16979698989797969995
 17909193959594959596
 18697275767679798282
 19465357526066565764
 20374146495053474251
 21273439414039474044
 22172621303837293232
 23131418181825242317
 247101013131217149
 Total465154575961605960
Female students
 151009898999898959897
 16999898999898989898
 17949794979797959795
 18798080818483888085
 19586366716969777067
 20455156596457556460
 21334043505148494953
 22222523303139333431
 23121218192119222020
 24991291313171311
 Total505456606262646363
All students
 15999998989797979898
 16989798989898979997
 17929493969695959696
 18737677788081838183
 19525762616468666365
 20414651545755515355
 21303741454643484548
 22192522303438313331
 23121318192022232118
 248911111313171310
 Total485355596161626161
1 Those who indicated that their principal economic status is "Student". See background notes for further information.
Open in Excel: EDA2017 TBL9 (XLS 13KB)

Background Notes

Purpose of survey

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) (formally known as the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS)) came into effect in 2017. The first results from this survey, for Q3 2017, were published in January 2018. This incorporated the revision of population estimates arising from the 2016 Census of Population along with a back-cast series of the existing data for the QNHS. 

The primary purpose of the LFS is the production of quarterly labour force estimates. Questions on educational attainment are included in the core LFS questionnaire each quarter.  This report is based on those questions. Further information relating to previous social modules is provided at the end of this note.

This report is based on the back-casted LFS data which was also adjusted for the 2016 Census data.

Reference period

For this release, educational attainment results are presented for each year using data from Quarter 2 (i.e. April-June).

The change in the educational attainment series in Q2 2009 means that detailed results prior to Q2 2009 are not directly comparable with results from Q2 2009 onwards. Because of this, some results in this release are only presented from Q2 2009 onwards. For tables that are not affected by the change in series results are presented from Q2 2000 onwards or from whenever the data has been collected (e.g. from Q2 2004 onwards in the case of early school leavers).

Note on tables

Percentage breakdowns exclude cases where the interviewee did not state their educational attainment. 

The sum of row or column percentages in the tables in this report may not add up to 100 due to rounding.

Note on age ranges

Many international statistical organisations use the 15-64 years age range as a standard working age population. However, the majority of persons aged 15-24 years old are students and this cohort has been steadily increasing as most continue their studies into tertiary education. Data presented in this report will mainly focus on the educational attainment of the 25-64 year age group, unless otherwise specified.

Highest level of education attained

This classification is derived from a single question and refers to educational standards that have been attained and can be compared in some measurable way. The question is included in the core QNHS questionnaire on an ongoing basis and is phrased as follows: “What is the highest level of education or training you have ever successfully completed?”

There are two methods of presenting results for educational attainment; the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) and the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

ISCED:

UNESCO developed the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) to facilitate comparisons of education statistics and indicators across countries on the basis of uniform and internationally agreed definitions. The current revision of ISCED used in this release is ISCED 2011 (ISCED11).

For information on the ISCED11 classification, see:

http://uis.unesco.org/en/topic/international-standard-classification-education-isced

NFQ:

The NFQ was launched in 2003 and it is now the single structure mechanism for recognising all education and training in Ireland. All framework awards now have an NFQ Level, numbered from 1 to 10, which tells you about the standard of learning and an NFQ Award-Type which tells you about the purpose, volume and progression opportunities associated with a particular award. Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) has responsibility to develop, promote and maintain the Irish NFQ.

In this release educational attainment results are presented using a descriptive name and the corresponding NFQ levels.

For information on the NFQ see:

http://www.qqi.ie/Articles/Pages/National-Framework-of-Qualifications-(NFQ).aspx

The classification of educational levels in the QNHS was revised in Q2 of 2009 in order to facilitate the linking of education categories to the NFQ, while also retaining links with the international education classification, ISCED. The change was made in the third level qualification categories to separate the attainment of Ordinary degrees from Honours Bachelor degrees. Because of this detailed results prior to Q2 2009 are not directly comparable with results from Q2 2009 onwards.

In previous educational attainment releases the educational attainment variable was presented using ISCED 1997 while, in this release, the response levels are grouped together into educational attainment levels using the NFQ. The table below gives education qualifications alongside the corresponding ISCED level, NFQ level and the educational attainment level reported in this release.

Table A1 Educational qualifications and corresponding ISCED 11 level, NFQ level and Educational attainment level

Education Qualification ISCED11 Level NFQ Level Educational Attainment Level
No formal education or training 0   Primary or below
Pre-primary education/Primary education (or FETAC Certificate at NFQ level 1 or 2) 100 1/2 Primary or below
Lower Secondary Junior Certificate 200 3 Lower secondary
Intermediate Certificate 200 3
Group Certificate 200 3
FÁS Introductory Skills Certificate 200 3
NCVA Foundation Certificate 200 3
FETAC Certificate at NFQ level 3 200 3
Equivalent Qualification at NFQ level 3 200 3
Transition Year 200   Lower secondary
Higher Secondary Leaving Certificate (Traditional) 304 4/5 Higher secondary
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) 303 4/5
Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) 303 4/5
Equivalent Qualification at NFQ level 4/5 300 4/5
Technical or Vocational Secretarial 400 4/5 Post leaving cert 
Certificate in Hotel Operations  400 4/5
PLC (Post Leaving Certificate Course) 400 4/5
FÁS National Skills Certificate 400 4/5
FÁS Specific Skills Certificate 400 4/5
FETAC level Certificate at NFQ level 4 400 4
FETAC level Certificate at NFQ level 5 400 5
Equivalent qualification at NFQ level 4/5 400 4/5
Advance Certificate Completed apprenticeships 400 6 Post leaving cert 
Teagasc farming or horticulture Certificate/Diploma 400 6
National Craft Certificate 400 6
FETAC advanced Certificate at NFQ level 6 400 6
Equivalent Qualification at NFQ level 6 400 6
Higher Certificate National Certificate (NCEA/DIT/IOT) 500 6 Higher certificate and equivalent
Cadetship (army, air corps or naval service) 500 6
HETAC/DIT Higher Certificate at NFQ level 6 500 6
Equivalent qualification at NFQ level 6 500 6
Diploma National Diploma (HETAC/NCEA e.g. 3 year diploma) 500 7 Ordinary degree or equivalent
Bachelor Degree (DIT) 500 7
Equivalent qualification at NFQ level 7 600 7
Ordinary Bachelor Degree at NFQ level 7 600 7 Ordinary degree or equivalent
Honours Bachelor Degree, Graduate Diploma or Higher Diploma at NFQ level 8 600 8 Honours bachelor degree or equivalent
Professional (Honours Bachelor Degree equivalent or higher) 600 8 Honours bachelor degree or equivalent
Post-Graduate (e.g. Post Graduate Diploma or Masters degree at NFQ level 9) 700 9 Postgraduate qualification
Doctorate or higher (e.g. Doctoral Degree/higher Doctorate at NFQ level 10) 800 10 Postgraduate qualification

 

ILO labour force classification

The primary classification used for the QNHS results is the ILO (International Labour Office) Labour Force classification. The ILO classification distinguishes the following main subgroups of the population aged 15 and over:

In Employment: Persons who worked in the week before the survey for one hour or more for payment or profit, including work on the family farm or business and all persons who had a job but were not at work because of illness, holidays etc. in the week.

Unemployed: Persons who, in the week before the survey, were without work and available for work within the next two weeks, and had taken specific steps, in the preceding four weeks, to find work.

Inactive Population (not in labour force): All other persons.

The rates given in this release are based on the ILO classification.

  • The Labour Force Participation Rate is the number of persons in the labour force expressed as a percentage of the total population.
  • The Employment Rate is the number of employed persons as a percentage of the total population.
  • The Unemployment Rate is the number of unemployed expressed as a percentage of the total labour force.


Principal economic status classification

The Principal Economic Status (PES) classification is based on a single question in which respondents are asked what is their usual situation with regard to employment and given the following response categories:

  • At work
  • Unemployed
  • Student
  • Engaged on home duties
  • Retired
  • Other

Region

The regional classifications in this release are based on the NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units) classification used by Eurostat.  The NUTS3 regions correspond to the eight Regional Authorities established under the Local Government Act, 1991 (Regional Authorities) (Establishment) Order, 1993, which came into operation on 1 January 1994. The NUTS2 regions, which were proposed by Government and agreed by Eurostat in 1999, are groupings of the NUTS3 regions. The composition of the regions is set out below.

The composition of the regions is set out below.

NUTS2 Region          Border, Midland and Western Southern and Eastern
NUTS3 Region          Border Cavan Dublin Dublin City
  Donegal   Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown
  Leitrim   Fingal
  Louth   South Dublin
  Monaghan    
  Sligo Mid-East Kildare
      Meath
Midland Laois   Wicklow
  Longford Mid-West Clare
  Offaly   Limerick City
  Westmeath   Limerick County
      North Tipperary
West Galway City    
  Galway County South-East Carlow
  Mayo   Kilkenny
  Roscommon   South Tipperary
      Waterford City
      Waterford County
      Wexford
       
    South-West Cork City
      Cork County
      Kerry 


QNHS social modules

While the main purpose of the QNHS is the production of quarterly labour force estimates, there is also a provision for the collection of data on social topics through the inclusion of special survey modules. The selection of the major national modules undertaken to date has been largely based on the results of a canvass of users (over 100 organisations) that was conducted by the CSO in 1996, 2002, 2006, 2009 and most recently 2011. The results of the canvass are presented to the National Statistics Board and they are asked to indicate their priorities for the years ahead.

The schedule for social modules in any given year is based on the following structure:

Quarter 1   Accidents and Illness module and  Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Survey
Quarter 2   EU module (always covered under EU legislation)
Quarter 3   National module
Quarter 4   National module

Some of the latest social modules published from the QNHS are:

Q2 2016 Households and Family Units
Q2 2016 QNHS Union Membership
Q4 2015 Pensions
Q3 2015 Crime and Victimisation
Q2 2015 Households and Family Units

More historical social modules published are available at:

http://www.cso.ie/en/qnhs/releasesandpublications/qnhs-specialmodules/qnhs-specialmodulesarchive/

Participating households

The Central Statistics Office wishes to thank the participating households for their co-operation in agreeing to take part in the survey and for facilitating the collection of the relevant data.

 

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