Just over half of school leavers in Carlow and Kilkenny go on to college.
A new report from the Higher Education authority shows 55 percent in Carlow go on to third level and 53 percent in Kilkenny.
Its about average – the highest level is 60 percent and the lowest 41 percent.
The report shows family backgrounds play a part – with the children of farmers three times more likely than the average school leaver to attend third level, ahead of the sons and daughters of the self-employed and professional classes.
