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. More details on TIMSS, including the full Assessment Framework and international reporting, can be found at https://timss.bc.edu/.
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. In spring 2026, the TIMSS 2027 Field Trial will be carried out with randomly selected and nationally representative samples of around 40 primary schools and 30 post-primary schools. The purpose of the Field Trial is to try out new test and questionnaire material in all participating countries in advance of the Main Study, which will be carried out in spring 2027.
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 Fourth Class pupils in TIMSS are also asked to complete questionnaires. These will be completed online and are an important part of the TIMSS study. 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: TIMSS Information Sheet
- A full list of publications from TIMSS 2023, 2019, 2015, and 2011 in Ireland is available at https://www.erc.ie/studies/timss/reports/
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 8065 211 (Gráinne McHugh – National Research Coordinator for Fourth Class)
- 01 8065 237 (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 |
| Susan Grotewold | DEY Curriculum and Assessment Policy Unit |
| Gráinne McHugh | ERC |
| Máirín Ní Chéileachair | INTO |
| Maria McGrath | DEY Inspectorate, Chair |
| Mark Bohan | DEY Curriculum and Assessment Policy Unit |
| Micheál Killilea | DEY Social Inclusion Unit |
| Patrick Sullivan | NCCA |
| Seán Delaney | Marino |
| Shane Leonard | Oide |
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 |