Almost a quarter of pupils in Northern Ireland who participated in an independent international comparative study demonstrated advanced reading skills.
The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021, which has been published today, shows that 23 per cent of pupils reached the Advanced international benchmark in reading. This was the third highest percentage internationally; below Singapore (35 per cent) and the Republic of Ireland (27 per cent). Only three per cent of pupils in Northern Ireland failed to reach the Low international benchmark. In comparison, the international average was six per cent.
The research highlighted variation in performance by pupils’ characteristics and background. Girls continue to outperform boys in Northern Ireland. This was a similar pattern found in almost every nation which participated in PIRLS. The gender gap in Northern Ireland was 24 scale points in 2021. Concerningly, this is higher than in 2016 (18 scale points) and 2011 (16 scale points). An increase in girls’ attainment over time has driven the widening of the gender gap.
