A new study into the DEIS programme for disadvantaged schools says urban areas should get more funding.
The ESRI report has found that Urban 'Band 1' schools have the lowest reading and maths scores in the country - while their rural counterparts are performing as well as - or even better than - non-DEIS schools.
Researchers say the findings show more needs to be done - but say it's "encouraging" that the gap in retention rates of pupils between DEIS and non-DEIS schools has dropped from 22 per cent in 1995 to 11 per cent now.
ESRI Research Professor Emer Smyth says that shows the value in securing more funds for urban schools.
