Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)
TIMSS (the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) is a project of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). Within each participating country, a National Research Centre manages the study. In Ireland, this role is filled by the Educational Research Centre. The ERC is supported in this work by a National Advisory Committee, chaired by the Department of Education, and with representatives from education stakeholders and subject experts.
TIMSS is a digital assessment which assesses the mathematics and science achievement of students in the Fourth and Eighth grades internationally, which are equivalent to Fourth Class and Second Year in Ireland. TIMSS takes place every four years since 1995. Ireland has participated in the 1995, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023, and 2027 cycles.
A major purpose of TIMSS is to provide information that can be used to improve teaching and learning. The study collects detailed information about curriculum, instructional practices, and school resources. The assessment is based on comprehensive assessment frameworks, developed collaboratively with the participating countries, which specify the knowledge, skills, and understanding to be assessed.
Click here for more details on TIMSS, including the full Assessment Framework and international reports
The TIMSS 2027 study in Ireland
Ireland is one of about 65 countries participating in TIMSS 2027. The TIMSS 2027 Main Study will be carried out in spring 2027 with randomly selected and nationally representative samples of around 150 primary and 150 post-primary schools.
Students participating in TIMSS are asked to complete a computer-based test of mathematics and science. Following the test, students are given a questionnaire which asks some questions about themselves, what they think about school, and what they think about mathematics and science.
TIMSS also aims to gather useful background information from other sources in order to build up a better picture of the Irish education system. Principals, teachers, and parents/guardians of the students who take part in TIMSS are also asked to complete questionnaires. Information collected through these questionnaires is valuable in interpreting the results of the assessment, and in providing a clear picture of students’ educational experiences.
- More information for schools, students, and families can be found here: Information Sheet (English), Information Sheet (Gaeilge)
- A full list of publications from TIMSS 2023, 2019, 2015, and 2011 in Ireland is available from https://www.erc.ie/publications/.
Contact Details
Postal address:
TIMSS
Educational Research Centre
St Patrick’s College Campus
Drumcondra
Dublin 9
D09 AN2F
Email: timss.ireland@erc.ie
Phone:
- 01 9144 525 (Gráinne McHugh – National Research Coordinator for Fourth Class)
- 01 9144 537 (Sylvia Denner – National Research Coordinator for Second Year)
GDPR
As well as measuring student’s achievement in mathematics and science, TIMSS also collects contextual information through questionnaires completed by students, parents/guardians, teachers, and principals. The information collected through these questionnaires is used to provide a more complete picture of the experiences of students in the Irish education system.
More information on how the data for each questionnaire are processed (including details about confidentiality and the retention of data) can be found in the links below.
National Advisory Committee (TIMSS Fourth Class)
| Name | |
|---|---|
| Aedín Ní Thuathail | IPPN |
| Aidan Clerkin | ERC |
| Áine Lynch | National Parents Council – Primary |
| Cormac Ó Tuairisg | Gaeloideachas |
| Eddie Fox | Educate Together |
| Gráinne McHugh | ERC |
| Máirín Ní Chéileachair | INTO |
| Maria McGrath | DEY Inspectorate, Chair |
| Mark Bohan | DEY Curriculum and Assessment Policy Unit |
| Maeve Price | DEY Social Inclusion Unit |
| Patrick Sullivan | NCCA |
| Shane Leonard | Oide |
| Susan Grotewold | DEY Curriculum and Assessment Policy Unit |
National Advisory Committee (TIMSS Second Year)
| Name | |
|---|---|
| Aidan Clerkin | ERC |
| Anne O’Dwyer | Mary Immaculate College |
| Elizabeth Smith | DEY |
| Gerry Hyde | SEC |
| Kathy O’Sullivan | University of Galway |
| Linda Ramsbottom | DEY, Chair |
| Liz O’Neill | DEY |
| Mark Bohan | DEY |
| Niamh O’Meara | University of Limerick |
| Oliver McGarr | University of Limerick |
| Páraic Treacy | Mary Immaculate College |
| Rachel Linney | NCCA |
| Paul Behan | NCCA |
| Ryan Gallagher | UCC |
| Sylvia Denner | ERC |