Despite the fact that the majority of 13-year-olds display a positive attitude towards school, some are beginning to demonstrate a disengagement even at such an early age.

Almost two-thirds of those studied as part of the Growing Up in Ireland investigation said that they like school "very much" or "quite a bit", but researchers are worried about the proportion of pupils with negative experiences as this suggests they may leave school early or perform poorly in the Junior or Leaving Certificates.

These findings are the result of the latest round of interviews for the project, which has seen over 7,500 children interviewed first at the age of nine and again at 13. Their answers appear to suggest key differences between gender and social background of those who are positively engaging with their school life.

According to the Irish Independent, Dr Emer Smyth, part of the management group for Growing Up in Ireland, has suggested that those differences should be considered by those designing the educational policy in Ireland to encourage wider engagement.

The report can be viewed in full here.

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