Secondary Education in Ireland

Each student and family has different requirements when choosing a school. Some will prefer private and some will prefer public, some will prefer boarding some will prefer host family, some will want a school in the Dublin area while some will prefer rural Ireland. With all of this in mind we can help you match the secondary school which best suits your needs, we have a wide variety of options for everyone.

Studying abroad is a life changing experience for any teenager. It can also be a daunting prospect if it is your first time away from family, for this reason qualified curators are on hand to guide and help you through every stage of the process.
There are numerous top quality private and public schools in the Dublin area and all about Ireland.

Irish Educational System

The standard Irish Education System is broken into 6 years and schools in Ireland are obliged to open for 167 days per year at second level.

• Years 1 to 3 Average age of 12 years to 15 years. Known as 1st to 3rd year and the Junior Cycle. The State examination marks the end of this cycle in 3rd year and is known as the Junior Certificate of the Department of Education & Skills.
• Year 4 Average age of 15 & 16 years. This year is known as fourth year or Transition Year. In most Irish schools this is an optional year which many students decide to uptake. Transition Year provides a strong basis for 5th & 6th years and also allows for the exploration of many other subject areas along with participating in outside projects and cultural experiences. This is most popular year for one year visiting foreign students.
• Year 5 to 6 Average age of 17 & 18 years. The Senior Cycle is of two years duration with 5th year providing a foundation for the final 6th year known as the Leaving Certificate. The Leaving Certificate examination (Ireland’s State Exam) is used as an entrance qualification for all the universities in the Republic of Ireland. The Irish Leaving Certificate is also used as an entrance qualification for universities in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is widely accepted as an entrance qualification for universities throughout the European Union and around the world.