Computer Science Education in Ireland

Researchers at the University of Galway have identified a lack of accredited computer science teachers as a barrier to expanding participation in the subject.

Their report identifies that the State is experiencing a significant shortage of teachers, with maths, engineering and new Stem subjects such as computer science among the hardest vacancies to fill.

It found there were just 34 accredited computer science teachers before the start of the school year in August 2022.

The researchers said a total of 140 people are involved in teaching the computer science programme in secondary schools, with the vast majority doing so without Teaching Council accreditation.

The report, which was commissioned with the support of Google, highlighted that in 2022 only 15.6 per cent of post-primary schools offered computer science as a Leaving Certificate subject.

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