Early School Leaving: Support and Pathways

Early School Leaving: Support and Pathways

Early School Leaving (ESL) can be a challenging issue for both students and their families. Whether you’re a young person, a parent, or someone working in education, this page aims  to provide information and support to help you navigate this important phase.

What is Early School Leaving?

Early School Leaving in Ireland is legally defined as: “Non-participation in school before a young person reaches the age of 16 or before completing three years of post-primary education, whichever is later.” (Education Act). This is the definition used by the TESS – Tusla Education Support Service in their work to support learners.

Additionally, many in the education community resonate with the OECD’s definition: “Young people who finish school without completing upper secondary education” (OECD, 2016).

No matter which definition you use, the outcomes are the same — a young person leaving the formal education system before they are equipped with the qualifications or experience they need to progress further.

Why Does Early School Leaving Happen?
There are various reasons why a young person may leave school early. Factors can be complex and interconnected, but they generally fall into four main categories:

Personal Factors: These can include internal challenges or experiences that a young person is going through, such as mental health difficulties, lack of interest in school, or feeling disengaged from the curriculum.

Environmental Factors: These are external issues such as challenges at home or within the community. A major element of this category is Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which can heavily impact a young person’s ability to stay in school.

School Factors: Factors within the school environment, such as relationships with staff, academic struggles, or an inability to connect with the school culture or policies, can contribute to a student leaving.

Behavioural Reactions: Sometimes, behavioural responses or coping mechanisms triggered by personal or environmental factors can lead a student to leave school as a way of dealing with stress or conflict.

Resources: Support and Pathways

Resources: Support and Pathways

There are multiple resources aimed at helping students, parents, and schools address these challenges and encourage retention. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward providing the right support.

Download the Cavan/Monaghan Emotionally Based School Avoidance Pack to explore tools and resources that can help your school or family work through some of these barriers together.

Leaving school early doesn’t mean the end of educational or career prospects. In fact, there are several alternative educational programmes and pathways designed specifically for young people who find the traditional school route isn’t for them.

These pathways provide flexible, supported options for young people to continue their learning and work toward qualifications in a way that suits them.

Under 15 Years:

  • iScoil
  • Home Tutoring
  • Other Alternatives

16 Years and Over:

  • Youthreach Programmes
  • Focused/Thematic Youth Programmes (YETI, Journeys)

Further Options:

  • Traineeships and Apprenticeships

These programmes are tailored to meet the needs of young people who need a more practical, hands-on approach to learning or who want to start their journey into the world of work earlier. You can explore each option further on our dedicated CMETB Webpages.

Whether you are a student thinking about leaving school, a parent looking for guidance, or a school or service provider wanting to support a young person, we are here to assist.

We can help you understand the pathways available, from Youthreach and Apprenticeships to specialised youth programmes, all designed to support young people in their next steps.

For more information, please contact us at [insert contact details] or visit the links to learn more about each pathway.

Together, we can help ensure that every young person has the opportunity to succeed.

Cavan/Monaghan Emotionally Based School Avoidance Pack – Resource

Supports Available for Early School Leavers 

ESL Networks and Pathways