The Education System in Ireland

The school system comprises 8 years of primary education followed by a 6 year secondary cycle, at the end of which students sit for the National Leaving Certificate Examination. Students take 6,7 or 8 subjects and performance in this examination determines access to further and higher education.

Secondary education comprises a 3 year course leading to the Junior Certificate examination. All pupils take the core subjects: Irish, English, French (or German), mathematics, science, history, geography, religious education, CSPE (Civic Social & Political Education), physical education and choir. Pupils may also choose 2 further subjects, the choice varying from school to school.

Following the Junior Certificate examinations, is a transition year, a 1 year programme without the pressures of state examination which incorporates preparation for the Leaving certificate course. Pupils are required to study a number of academic core subjects and one or two optional subjects throughout the year. In addition pupils take short courses in a variety of different vocational subjects (e.g. drama, keyboard skills, horticulture, motor vehicle maintenance). Pupils are also expected to obtain work experience during this year for a short period (usually no more than one week) and various outdoor pursuits courses are also offered.

The final 2 years in secondary school lead to the Leaving Certificate examination. All pupils take the core subjects: Irish, English, mathematics, religious education, physical education and choir plus 4 other subjects from a range of options.

In Ireland some independent schools follow the English public school system with English GCSE examinations at age 16, and Advanced level examinations at age 18.