Ireland's primary school pupils are getting better at maths and reading - for the first time in over 30 years.
A new national report on learning standards has shown that both literacy and numeracy standards are on the up, for the first time in decades.
The increase is shown among both boys and girls, at both 2nd and 6th-class levels.
Although Ireland's pupils remain above average by international standards, it's the first time since 1980 that national reviews have shown a clear increase in domestic standards.
Such is the increase noted in today's National Assessments of English Reading and Mathematics, that Ireland has now already surpassed its targets for 2020 - which were set just three years ago.
The government is now bringing forward a review of its national strategy on literacy and numeracy to adjust those targets.
The study shows that boys generally remain stronger at maths, while girls tend to be stronger at reading.
However, the gap between the sexes appears to be narrowing as pupils get older - with the differences shrinking between 2nd Class and 6th Class.
Elsewhere the report also shows that 'DEIS', or designated disadvantaged schools, are also continuing to close the gap with other schools.
However the literacy and numeracy standards in schools with the highest recognised degree of disadvantage are still well below the norm, particularly in mathematics.
Education minister Jan O'Sullivan welcomed the news, saying it was down to the hard work by everyone involved.
“That indicates very positive work done by the schools, by the students, by the teachers and indeed the parents as well," she said.
"A mixture of different strategies were used in the overall strategy and certainly this is very positive news in terms of literacy and in terms of numeracy."
It's believed that the review of the national strategy will now see specific targets for particular areas within numeracy and literacy, such as analytical reading and data literacy, to address the relative weaknesses of Irish students.
