Schooling and Education
Find out what to expect from the Irish school system...
Education in Ireland is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. Public education at all levels is free for Irish residents. However, higher education students are liable to pay an administration fee for university registration and examinations.
Overview of the Irish Education System
Education is the responsibility of the Irish government and is run by the Department of Education and Skills under the control of the Minister of Education. The standard of education is very high and the country has a good reputation internationally. The education system consists of both state and private schools. The majority of schools are state funded and state regulated. Higher education (college and university) is also heavily subsidised.
The academic year in Ireland runs from September to June and is divided into three terms. Children must attend school between the ages of 6 and 16 or until they have completed three years of secondary education. Most students complete the Leaving Certificate (the final secondary school examination) between the ages of 17 and 19 years. Ireland has the second highest teenage literacy rate in the EU.
There are a number of international schools in Ireland; many of these in the capital, Dublin.
Exemption from Irish language
The Irish language is an obligatory subject and all children in primary education must study Irish. Exemption for studying Irish in post-primary education is possible but only in limited circumstances, such as when the child has come from abroad and does not speak English.
- For more details on exemptions: Click here
Grade groupings
In primary education, most classes are mixed ability. In secondary school in the Junior Cycle, classes may be graded according to ability, depending on the subject and the type of exams students have chosen. In the senior cycle it is normal for classes to be split according to whether the students have chosen to take ordinary or higher level courses.
School books
Books are not supplied by the school. However, they can be bought second hand.
- For information about available grants for school books and how to get second hand books: Click here
Home schooling
Home schooling is legal in Ireland and parents have the right to choose to home school their child. Legislation requires that parents register with the National Education Welfare Board if they wish to do this. Children being schooled at home must be provided with a minimum level of education.
- For more details and to contact the National Education Welfare Board: Click here