One Stop Ireland Education

Primary education takes place between the ages of 5 and 12, though some schools will accept children as young as 4. Primary schools may be single sex or mixed and accept children of all religious denominations though some are predominately single faith. In areas where the growth in population has been rapid in recent years, children wishing to attend a particular school may be required to join a waiting list. Class sizes can vary but usually have c.25 pupils. The school week is Monday to Friday from 9.00a.m. to mid afternoon. Summer holidays are July and August.

Secondary education is 6 years in duration and takes place between the ages of 12 and 18. Although education beyond the age of 16 is not compulsory, it is rare for children to leave school before sitting the state's Leaving Certificate Examination. Secondary schools may be single sex or mixed and accept children of all religious denominations though some are predominately single faith. Many secondary schools operate a waiting list. Class sizes can vary but usually have c.20 pupils.

Third level education takes place above the age of 18. Although not compulsory, Ireland has one of the highest rates of attendance at third level institutions in the developed world. There is a large range of courses leading to awards of certificates, diplomas, degrees, master degrees and doctoral degrees spread across the country. Application to attend third level institutions is made centrally through the Central Applications Office (CAO). If demand for many courses, especially professional courses such as Medicine and Law, exceeds the number of places available the places are allocated based on the results achieved by the applicant in the state's Leaving Certificate Examination. Summer holidays extend from end May to early October.