Discovering Ireland Guide 2021

Primary School “Bunscoil” Children are typically enrolled in the Junior Infant class at the age of either four or five depending on the wishes of their parents and the policy of the school. Some schools require the child be four years of age before a specific date in order to enroll and also have a requirement for you to live in the catchment area of the school. Otherwise, the child must seek a place in a different school or wait until the next year to enroll. The primary school is completed after eight years. Primary school hours are typically 9 am to 3 pm and the younger children in the Junior and Senior Infant levels usually finish at 2 pm. Be aware that individual schools may vary. Secondary School “Meánscoil” To apply for a place in an Irish secondary school, contact the school directly. To find schools in your area, go onto the Irish department of education and use find the school of your choosing. Its best to contact the school as soon as possible as most schools have waiting lists in place. Your child may be required to sit an entrance exam. You can find schools here: www.education.ie/en/find-a-school The secondary schooling in Ireland takes six years to be completed, divided in three sections: First Cycle, Transition year, Senior Cycle. The transition year is optional is some schools and compulsory in others. Senior year comes to conclusion with the Leaving Certificate Examination. Secondary school hours are typically 9am to 4pm with a one-hour lunch break. Be aware that individual schools start, and finish times may vary. Higher Education The Irish higher education system offers a wide range of internationally recognised courses and, as a result, attracts a number of students from abroad. Ireland has eight universities. Courses are taught in English; you must be proficient in English in order to be accepted. However, there are many private English language training schools nationwide which offer both short and long-term courses. The entry requirements vary from year to year, depending on the number of places available and the number of applicants. Entry into the more popular courses can be competitive. Irish students compete for entry based on results achieved in their Leaving Certificate Examination, for international students The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is also accepted as meeting the minimum entry requirement.

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Discovering Ireland