How many comprehensive schools are there in ireland

The junior cycle offers a wide range of subjects, from coding through to music. English, maths, history and Irish are all compulsory. Though exemptions from Irish are available. Students can then select their other subjects, but, depending on the school, their choice may be limited. For senior cycle, maths, English and Irish remain compulsory.

Even more subjects are available and many students can take an exam in their native language too. To find out what secondary schools are available in each Dublin neighbourhood, check out this list from schooldays. Religious communities, boards of governors or individuals operate these privately owned schools. Some are fee-paying and are not eligible for state funding.

Others offer free or subsidised tuition and receive government funds. Either way, the Irish state covers salary costs for all of them. Traditionally, voluntary schools offer a purely academic education, but they have begun to provide practical and vocational subjects too.

These are the most common and popular schools throughout Ireland. They deliver the national curriculum with a focus on practical skills and vocational training. There are 42 of these schools in Dublin alone. Offering both academic and vocational courses, these schools are entirely financed by the Department of Education and run by local boards of management. They are represented by the Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools.

There are more than 30 private, fee-paying schools in Dublin. Most of them have primary and secondary schools, but the likes of Sandford Park in Ranelagh only accommodates secondary education. Although there are exceptions, most private schools in Dublin are owned by religious orders.

Another distinguishing characteristic of private schools in Dublin is their devotion to rugby. Each year, several boys schools compete for the Leinster Schools Cup. The final in March is always hotly contested. Usually, a higher proportion of fee-paying pupils go on to third-level education in Ireland. They tend to secure more in-demand university places too. There are several international schools in Dublin.

They provide teaching programmes from France, Spain and Germany, as well as the International Baccalaureate. Dublin is home to a cluster of universities and colleges. Many of them are among the best in Europe. Training for post-primary teachers is provided by many third-level institutions.

In addition, there are colleges of education that specialise in the training of home economics teachers, teachers of religion and physical education teachers. Qualifax provides detailed information on programmes for teacher training. Further education comprises education and training which takes place after second-level schooling but which is not part of the third-level system.

It includes programmes such as Post-Leaving Certificate courses; the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme second-chance education for the unemployed ; programmes in Youthreach for early school-leavers; other literacy and basic education; and self-funded evening adult programmes in second-level schools. Educational provision for students with special educational needs ranges from additional support in mainstream schools to specialist support in special schools.

A student with a disability may be enrolled in a:. If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 07 Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm. You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre or Request a call back from an information officer. Introduction Education is compulsory for children in Ireland from the ages of 6 to 16 or until students have completed 3 years of second-level education. Primary first-level education Children do not have to attend school until the age of 6 but children may begin school the September following their fourth birthday.

Second-level education Second-level education is provided by different types of post-primary schools. Athlone Office. Tullamore Office. Press Office. Website Unit. Social media. BETA This is a prototype - your feedback will help us to improve it. Help us improve gov. Leave feedback. Describe your experience on Gov. You can get a list of Irish schools on a county-by-county basis from the Department of Education and Skills.

You should gather as much information as possible about the schools in which you are interested. Schools can vary quite considerably in the ways in which they operate and the emphasis they put on areas such as exams, sports, the arts, personal development, religion, social affairs, European languages and practical skills acquisition.

Talk to teachers and, if possible, to other parents in order to see whether the school is likely to meet the needs of your particular child. Some schools will have a waiting list. You will need to investigate the enrolment policy of the school in which you are interested and in general you should plan the enrolment of your child well in advance. If you are planning to remain abroad and to send your child to an Irish school as an overseas student, you can choose from a range of fee-paying secondary schools such as a boarding school or a day secondary school that arrange accommodation and guardianship, as appropriate.

If your child wishes to go to university or another third-level institution, they will need to score enough points in their Leaving Certificate exams.

They will receive points for the 6 best grades they receive with the highest points going to an A1 in a paper at Honours level. Most students take 7 subjects in the Leaving Certificate. The points they need for third-level courses will depend on the subject they wish to study.

More information on going to third-level education is in our document, Application procedures and entry requirements.