In many ways, the Irish school system is different from that in France. Church interference, compulsory uniforms, no kindergarten… Here’s what you need to know about the Irish school…
In Ireland, there is no kindergarten: as school is only compulsory from age 6, there are no classes for 3/5 year-olds. This requires parents to call on nannies, day-care centers, or to reconsider their working hours to look after their children.
Primary school starts at age 6 and ends at age 12. So children have to pass all 6 levels to reach secondary school!
From the ages of 12 to 17-18, the Irish have to face “secondary” school. It’s a sort of fusion between collège and lycée, where students take the Junior Certificate and then the Leaving Certificate.
Note that there is no such thing as repeating a year here: even if students fail, they will necessarily end up in a higher level. A policy that is often the subject of controversy in Ireland.
At the end of secondary school, students who so wish have the option of going on to higher education at university. Their choice of course depends on the number of points they obtain in their Leaving Certificate, and places are hard to come by.
Studies can last 3, 5 or 7 years, and are based on the European LMD model (Licence, Master, Doctorat). Any diploma obtained is then recognized on a European scale.
In Ireland, most schools are still run by the Church, but are funded by the State. That’s why religion is still very present in Irish education. Catechism is taught in most schools, and uniforms are compulsory.
For boys, the uniform consists of pants (or shorts), a polo shirt and a sweater bearing the school crest. For girls, a skirt, polo shirt and sweater are also a must.
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