The HEA is responsible for collection data on student progression. The most recent report by the HEA entitled ‘A study of Progression in Higher Education' is available on the HEA website. The table that follows from the report illustrates the non-presence rates of new entrants in their second year of study by sector, NFQ level and course duration.
New entrants are classified as ‘not present' if they do not appear in the statistical returns of that institution in the following academic year. The proportion of new entrants in 2007/08 who were not present one year later was 15% on average across all sectors and NFQ Levels. Prior educational attainment is a very significant factor.
Non-Presence Rates for New Entrants by Sector and NFQ Level (2008/09).
Sector
|
Level
|
Most Common Points Attained
|
% Not Present
|
Institutes of Technology
|
Level 6
|
250-300
|
25%
|
Level 7
|
250-300
|
26%
|
Level 8
|
300-350
|
16%
|
L8 3 yr duration
|
300-350
|
16%
|
L8 4 yr duration
|
300-350
|
16%
|
L8 4+ yr duration
|
450-500
|
10%
|
All New Entrants
|
300-350
|
22%
|
Universities
|
Level 8
|
400-450
|
9%
|
L8 3 yr duration
|
350-400
|
10%
|
L8 4 yr duration
|
450-500
|
9%
|
L8 4+ yr duration
|
550-600
|
3%
|
Other Colleges
|
Level 8
|
450-500
|
4%
|
L8 3 yr duration
|
450-500
|
2%
|
L8 4 yr duration
|
400-450
|
7%
|
All Institutions
|
Level 8
|
350-400
|
11%
|
All Institutions
|
All New Entrants
|
350-400
|
15%
|