Research from the English-speaking world consistently shows that children leaving the care of the state tend to have lower levels of educational attainment and higher rates of unemployment and social disadvantage than other young people. Approximately 6,000 children are currently in the care of the State in Ireland, but little is known about their educational experiences and outcomes. This report presents the results of an exploratory study on education for children in care in Ireland. The overarching aim of this study is to identify how the Irish education system can best support attendance, participation and attainment in education by children in care.
