A new study into the DEIS programme for disadvantaged schools says urban areas should get more funding.

The think-tank has carried out a report into the DEIS school programme.

It found that Urban 'Band 1' schools have the lowest reading and maths scores in the country.

While their rural counterparts are performing as well as, or even better than, non-DEIS schools.

Researchers say the findings show more needs to be done - but say it is "encouraging" that the gap in retention rates of pupils between DEIS and non-DEIS schools has dropped.

It has fallen from 22% in 1995 to 11% now.

ESRI research professor, Emer Smyth, says that shows the value in securing more funds for urban schools.

And she told Newstalk Breakfast that urban DEIS schools are more likely to have a range of social issues, and need more funding.