Recruitment Eire

SCHOOLS IN IRELAND

The Irish education system is excellent. Schools are mostly state funded but there is also the option to send your child to a private school. Parents of children in state schools have to buy text books as well as school uniforms. To find a good school in which your child feels comfortable and will fit in, you should gather information about the schools you are interested and talk to teachers, students and parents.

An inspection body, which is working for the Government Department of Education, inspects all state run schools to make sure that the national curriculum (which is set by the Government Minister of Education) is being taught correctly and standards remain high. School attendance is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 16 years. 90 % of those who are older than 16 years join the "senior cycle" education.

For those who are from the USA, Canada, Europe or elsewhere and are relocating to Ireland should familiarise themselves with the Education System before letting your child join a local school. Children have to pass certain national tests in order to move on to a higher education. Overall the Irish and the British system do have a lot in common.

There are primary schools in which all subjects are taught in Irish. Probably the best choice is to send your child to a school that teaches Irish, which is a great opportunity to learn a second or even a third language.