A study of potential early school-leavers by the national youth development organisation, Foroige, in a rural area to be published on Thursday, found that the project performed exceptionally well in relation to the objectives set for it. During the project, no clear pattern of improvement in areas such as homework completion and quality, listening in class and self-expression was noted. But there were significant changes in co-operation, happiness and listening.

While the project ran in the schools, attendance was very high. Except for one pupil, all pupils identified as at risk of early school-leaving returned for the start of the current school year. In areas such as intra- and inter-personal effectiveness such as confidence, listening and teamwork, great changes were perceived - and there was improved self-esteem.

In outdoor pursuits, certification was achieved by 70 per cent in one discipline and by a quarter in two, while all participants took part in one youth/ community activity and most in more than one.