219 primary school classes in Cork with more than 30 pupils

Over 200 primary school classes in Cork have more than 30 pupils, despite the average being just 23, according to Department of Education data.

Information provided by the department to Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, for the 2023/2024 school year, the latest date data is available for, showed that 219 Cork primary school classes had more than 30 students.

Cork had the second highest number of class sizes over 30 in Ireland, behind Dublin, but while the Dublin classes represent 17% of the total number of classes of this size, 13% of all classes with above 30 pupils are in Cork.

This is despite Cork representing just 11% of the population of Ireland compared to Dublin, where 28% of the population lives, meaning there is a proportionally higher number of large classes in Cork.

The data also shows that the Cork figure is an improvement from the 2022/2023 school year, when 257 classes had more than 30 pupils.

However, Mr Ó Laoghaire said that the latest figures are still “completely unacceptable”.

“It is a direct result of the government’s failure to adequately invest in our education system and to deliver on its commitments to reduce class sizes and improve the pupil-teacher ratio.

“Large class sizes have a significant impact on the quality of education our children receive. Teachers are overburdened and it’s impossible for them to give pupils the individual attention they need to thrive. This is particularly concerning at primary level, where the foundations for future learning are laid.”

He added: “The government has repeatedly promised to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio and while the overall ratio across the state is now down to 23:1, this is largely due to demographics, and there are still far too many very large classes — 1,637 across the state and 219 in Cork. Families and educators are being let down.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: 

“In previous budgets, reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools was prioritised which has brought the teacher allocation ratio to an average of one classroom teacher for every 23 pupils in all primary schools, the lowest level ever seen at primary level.

“A three point reduction in the retention schedule assists schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts.

“Teacher allocations for DEIS Urban Band 1 schools were also improved, which now stand at an average of 17:1, 21:1 and 19:1 for junior, senior and vertical schools (schools with junior and senior classes) respectively.

“The 2023/24 educational statistical report shows that the average pupil teacher ratio at primary level last year was 12.8:1, while the average class size was 22.5. These ratios, brought about by recent budget improvements, are the lowest averages across the last 20 years.”