International Studies

Welcome to the homepage for PIRLS and TIMSS in Ireland

In 2011, Ireland participated in two international studies of reading, mathematics and science achievement involving Fourth class pupils.  These are:

• PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Survey)
• TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study)

Click here to access Ireland’s initial national report (released in 2012) and here to see some of the actual test items completed by Irish pupils. 

NEW
A volume analysing PIRLS and TIMSS 2011 – “National Schools, international contexts” – has been published.  The collection of 10 separately-authored chapters draws on the contextual information collected as part of PIRLS and TIMSS 2011 to situate the Irish education system and pupils’ experiences of school in an international context. The reports also examine Irish pupils’ performance on reading, mathematics and science in more detail.  Click here to access the reports.

The Educational Research Centre managed Ireland’s participation in both studies, on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills. 

Click the links below for additional information.

• Publications
• Sample test items from 2011
• About PIRLS and TIMSS
• Countries participating in PIRLS and TIMSS 2011
• Assessment frameworks
• Ireland’s National Advisory Committee
• Contact details