One of the topics that comes up time and time again when we first talk to doctors who want to move to Ireland is around schooling and how to go about getting children into schools in an area. We thought it might be a good idea to write up some brief information about the education system and schools in Ireland to help you with your move.
The school system in Ireland is structured into three main levels: primary education, secondary education, and higher education.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Primary Education
Age Range: 4-12 years
Junior Infants and Senior Infants: Equivalent to kindergarten in other systems, these classes cater to children aged 4-6 years.
First Class to Sixth Class: For children aged 6-12 years. The curriculum covers subjects like English, Irish, Mathematics, Social, Environmental and Scientific Education (SESE), Arts Education, Physical Education, and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE).
Secondary Education
Age Range: 12-18 years
Junior Cycle: (First Year to Third Year): Covers ages 12-15 years.
Students sit the Junior Certificate examination at the end of this cycle.
Transition Year: Optional one-year program focusing on personal and social development, work experience, and broad educational experiences.
Senior Cycle (Fifth Year to Sixth Year): Covers ages 15-18 years. Students prepare for the Leaving Certificate examination.
Higher Education
Universities: Offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Institutes of Technology: Focus on vocational and technical education, offering certificates, diplomas, and degree programs.
Colleges of Education: Specialize in training primary school teachers.
Further Education Colleges: Offer Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses, apprenticeships, and other vocational training.
Both primary and post-primary schools in Ireland often have various fees to help fund school activities. These contributions typically range from €100 to €300, depending on the age group. Many extracurricular activities, such as school sports teams, are covered by the school; however, some exceptions may apply at the local level.
Primary Schools: Most primary schools in Ireland are managed on behalf of the state by the Catholic Church, with oversight from Management Boards and Parent Councils. While these schools generally have a Catholic ethos, parents can choose for their children to opt out of formal Catholic faith formation classes.
Other religious denominations, such as the Church of Ireland, operate schools across the country based on local demand and parental interest. In addition, many schools accommodate families from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, allowing faith instruction to take place outside standard school hours.
A growing number of multi-denominational and non-religious ethos schools are emerging in larger towns and cities. These schools provide an inclusive environment, teaching children about various religions and moral systems while leaving formal religious instruction to parents outside the standard curriculum. Often, such instruction is facilitated on school premises after regular teaching hours.
Post-Primary Schools: At the post-primary level, religious education plays a smaller role and is usually integrated into broader civics or ethics programs. However, secondary schools operated by religious orders may maintain a stronger emphasis on religious education. This varies significantly depending on the school and its locality.
In response to demographic shifts, more secular and non-denominational schools are being established, particularly in urban centers, to meet increasing demand.
School Placement Advice: If you’re planning a move to Ireland, it’s crucial to start the process of securing a school place for your child early. Popular schools in urban areas often have long waiting lists. Once you identify the area you’ll be moving to, contact the principal or headteacher of local schools to discuss your options. Many schools, even in smaller towns and villages, are accustomed to welcoming families relocating to the area.
The Department of Education provides a comprehensive list of schools in Ireland at all levels. This information, available as an Excel spreadsheet, allows you to filter by location to identify schools in your chosen area. Access the resource here for further details.