Ireland Secondary Enrollment
School enrollment, secondary (% gross) SE.SEC.ENRR
Ireland's secondary enrollment was 116.15% in 2025, ranked 21st globally. This represents a 12.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Ireland's secondary enrollment stood at 116.15% in 2025, a decline of +17.00pp from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 116.15% by 2025. Ireland ranked 21st globally.
Ireland’s secondary school enrollment has risen steadily over the 23‑year series, moving from the all‑time trough of 105.12 % in 2000 to an all‑time peak of 154.91 % in 2018, before settling at 116.15 % in 2025, which places the country 21st globally. The upward trajectory reflects sustained investment in education and demographic growth, yet the post‑peak decline signals a moderation of earlier expansion. Ireland’s 2025 figure slightly exceeds that of Saudi Arabia (117.46 %) and Norway (117.76 %), and outperforms Peru (114.12 %) and Vanuatu (112.03 %). The modest slowdown after 2018 may be linked to declining birth rates and the maturation of the cohort that previously drove the surge. Continued policy focus on retaining students through secondary levels and addressing demographic headwinds will be crucial if Ireland aims to maintain or improve its enrollment rate in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Secondary Enrollment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 116.15% | - | - |
| 2025 | 116.15% | −17.00pp | #21 |
| 2022 | 133.15% | −2.10pp | #6 |
| 2021 | 135.25% | +0.03pp | #7 |
| 2020 | 135.22% | −2.87pp | #7 |
| 2019 | 138.09% | −16.82pp | #5 |
| 2018 | 154.91% | +29.60pp | #2 |
| 2017 | 125.31% | +8.28pp | #8 |
| 2016 | 117.03% | +0.04pp | #12 |
| 2015 | 116.99% | +0.25pp | #11 |
| 2014 | 116.74% | −1.01pp | #9 |
| 2012 | 117.75% | +1.92pp | #5 |
| 2011 | 115.83% | −2.26pp | #7 |
| 2010 | 118.10% | +3.70pp | #6 |
| 2009 | 114.39% | +3.10pp | #7 |
| 2008 | 111.29% | +0.06pp | #12 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Ireland matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw secondary enrollment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Ireland's secondary enrollment was 116.15% in 2025. Ranked 21st globally. This represents a 12.8% decrease from the previous year.
Ireland's secondary enrollment peaked at 154.91% in 2018.
The lowest secondary enrollment in Ireland was 105.12% in 2000.
Ireland ranks 21st globally in secondary enrollment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.SEC.ENRR. Data sourced from World Bank.
Ireland's secondary enrollment is projected to reach 116.15% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The secondary enrollment of Ireland in 2025 was 116.15%. This ranks 21st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_ireland_secondary-enrollment,
title = {Ireland Secondary Enrollment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/ireland/secondary-enrollment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}