Listen onIn the News podcast: New study shows how children from poorer backgrounds are failed Listen | 20:04The Children’s School Lives study tracked children from 2019 to 2023. As it coincided with the Covid lockdown years, it revealed a wealth of data, some of it seriously troubling and challenging for policymakers. Photograph: Getty Mon Jun 22 2026 - 06:26A new landmark study follows 4,000 primary school children, tracking everything from their education attainment to their wellbeing as they progressed through the school system. The Children’s School Lives study tracked the children from 2019 to 2023. As it coincided with the Covid lockdown years, it revealed a wealth of data, some of it seriously troubling and challenging for policymakers.The longitudinal study was commissioned by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and conducted by the UCD School of Education.Irish Times education correspondent Niamh Towey delved into the details. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon. Bernice HarrisonBernice Harrison is an Irish Times journalist and cohost of In the News podcast