STEM Report 2025: Shaping Ireland’s Tech-Driven Future

Unveiling the State of STEM Education

The Coding Ireland STEM Report 2025 offers an unparalleled analysis of STEM and Digital Skills education in Ireland, drawing from over 1,000 responses from primary and secondary schools, youth centres, and libraries. With unprecedented participation, the report reveals a strong national commitment to preparing pupils for a technology-driven world, whilst identifying critical challenges that must be addressed to ensure equitable access.

Key Findings from the STEM Report 2025

The 2025 report highlights significant trends in STEM education across Ireland:

• ✔ Rising Importance: 66% of educators rate STEM as very or extremely important, up from 60% in 2024, signalling growing recognition of its critical role in future careers.
• ✔ Early Engagement: 40% advocate introducing STEM at ages 4-6, emphasising early exposure to foster curiosity and foundational skills.
• ✔ Teaching Prevalence: 65% of institutions teach STEM, with 75% of secondary schools and 66% of primary schools leading adoption, though gaps remain in youth centres (33%).
• ✔ AI Focus: 52% support teaching artificial intelligence, though only 29% report high pupil interest, indicating a need for engaging AI education strategies.

Challenges Hindering Progress

The report identifies systemic barriers impacting STEM education:

Challenge	Impact
Insufficient Training	81% report a lack of knowledge or training, limiting effective STEM teaching.
Funding Shortages	76% lack sufficient funding, restricting access to essential tools and resources.
Time Limitations	54% cite lack of time as a barrier, hindering curriculum integration.

Opportunities to Strengthen STEM Education

The STEM Report 2025 proposes actionable solutions to address these challenges:

• ✔ Strategic Funding Allocation: Policymakers should guide schools on optimising grants, as 62% rely on grants to fund STEM resources.
• ✔ Enhanced Professional Development: Expand CPD opportunities, with 85% of educators interested in further training to boost confidence.
• ✔ AI Curriculum Development: Create engaging AI lessons to align with the 52% supporting its inclusion, preparing pupils for emerging technologies.
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Regional and Sector Insights

The report provides detailed insights across educational sectors and counties:

• ✔ Primary Schools: 63% rate STEM as very/extremely important, with 52% favouring introduction at ages 4-6, though only 11% report sufficient funding.
• ✔ Secondary Schools: 75% teach STEM, with 83% supporting AI education, but 85% cite training shortages as a barrier.
• ✔ Libraries: 87% view STEM as very/extremely important, with 57% teaching it, though 73% report training gaps.
• ✔ Regional Variations: Counties like Kilkenny (100% secondary school adoption) and Limerick (79% primary school adoption) lead, whilst others, like Wexford (43% secondary), fall short.

Next Steps for Ireland’s Educators

To build on the report’s findings, educators and policymakers can:

• ✔ Advocate for increased funding to address the 85% reporting insufficient resources.
• ✔ Prioritise teacher training, with 84% seeking professional development to enhance STEM delivery.
• ✔ Integrate STEM into the new STE curriculum, leveraging the 88% awareness amongst primary educators.
• ✔ Engage communities to raise parental awareness, as 61% of parents are unaware or slightly aware of STEM benefits.

By addressing these priorities, Ireland can ensure all pupils have access to high-quality STEM education, fostering the next generation of innovators.