“Schools in many working class areas of Dublin, Cork and Limerick have very low progressions rates to college. In areas such as Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Clondalkin, Donaghmende and Crumlin the numbers of pupils making the transition to third level is around 40%. This is in stark contrast with the 20 fee-paying schools on the list which have a 100 per cent progression rate to third level.

“What these figures illustrate is that little has changed within the Irish education sector and despite pre-election and other promises we continue to see a two tier school system that benefits wealthier families and works  against students from poorer backgrounds.

“An examination of the top feeder schools in Dublin clearly  illustrates this. In terms of progression rates to college and university with the most successful schools in the city include Gonzaga College; Loreto St Stephen’s Green; Mount Anville; St Conleth’s in Ballsbridge, Holy Child in Killiney and Alexandra College in Milltown.

“Grines, one to one teaching supports, smaller class size and state of the art teaching aids all give an unfair advantage to wealthier students on their path to third level education.

“The range of cuts being imposed on our primary and post primary schools and which include the loss of SNA and Special language support teachers as well as rising class numbers will make progression more difficult and lead to even more barriers for those on low and middle incomes.

“Added to this is are cuts in third level support and the likely hike in fees all of which will perpetuate a two-tier education system where access to college and university will be restricted to those who can afford to avail of the supports that are necessary to prosper at school.”