Education in Ireland 2024

Contents Starting School........................................................................................................................ 1 Comparison ............................................................................................................................ 1 Primary School........................................................................................................................ 3 Secondary School ................................................................................................................... 3 International Schools/ New England Association of Schools and Colleges:............................. 4 Finding a School Place ........................................................................................................... 5 Documents that schools request ............................................................................................. 6 Unable to secure a place close to your home?........................................................................ 6 Education Helpline .................................................................................................................. 7 Starting School Most children in Ireland start their first-level education in primary schools (also called national schools) at the age of 4 or 5 years of age. Legally, children can be enrolled at primary school from the age of 4 upwards (but must have started their formal education by the age of 6 years). The primary school cycle is 8 years long. Schools generally have 2 years of infant classes, followed by class 1 to class 6. In general, for Junior Infants, the child must be 4 years of age by September 1st in the year of entry.

Comparison Child's Age

Ireland (Class/Year)

U.S.A. (Grade)

St Killians (German School)

Lycee Francais d'Irelande (French School) Based in Foxrock from Maternelle to CM2 - then move to Clonskeagh for CCM

England (Year)

Usually children begin school in the September following their fourth birthday.

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Education in Ireland