Education and Schools in Ireland

The standard of education and schools in Ireland is high. Education is compulsory for children from ages 6 to 16. Your children are eligible to attend local Irish schools, just like any other child in Ireland.

Education in Ireland consists of publicly funded schools, known as national schools at the primary level and secondary schools at the secondary level, as well as private schools. Irish schools include religious schools, non-denominational schools, and schools that teach the national curriculum in Gaelic.

The main language of instruction at Irish schools is English. Gaelic classes are part of the local curriculum, but your children are not required to learn the language.

National and secondary schools in Ireland

The quality of education at publicly funded schools in Ireland is high. You may be perfectly happy to enrol your children in these schools. Public school education is free, but you are usually expected to pay for uniforms, books and extracurricular activities.

Public schools in Ireland are known for their high academic standards and strong exam performance. They offer caring, nurturing environments that support student well-being. Although costs can vary, the availability of extracurricular activities is a plus.

All publicly funded schools follow the Irish national curriculum. The Irish public schooling system is exam-focused, which may be challenging for your children to adjust to. To support students, post-primary schools have student support teams that coordinate help from different departments and provide pathways for referrals to external services when necessary.

Useful links

• Your Child's Education: Department of Education
• Citizens Information: Education

Private schools in Ireland

There are numerous private schools in Ireland, many of which are located in Dublin. These schools are privately funded and operate independently of state control regarding curriculum and daily management.

Many private schools have religious affiliations, predominantly Catholic, while some teach in Gaelic. Dublin's private schools stand out for their strong focus on extracurricular activities like sports, music and arts, reflecting the city's affluent environment. They also tend to attract a more diverse student body, including international students, offering valuable cultural exposure.

Private schools in Ireland generally follow the national curriculum but often supplement it with additional subjects such as foreign languages, philosophy, economics, or entrepreneurship.

While private education in Ireland is costly, with tuition and additional expenses adding up significantly, the benefits include smaller class sizes, more individualised attention and stronger university and career connections. These schools also have closer ties to elite networks, offering potential advantages for future career opportunities. That said, the high costs and potential for social segregation are drawbacks to consider.

Useful links

• Private Schools: Department of Education

International schools in Ireland

Numerous international schools in Ireland specifically cater to foreign nationals. These schools offer curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB) and provide instruction primarily in English, which benefits non-native speakers. Most of these schools are located in Dublin and offer various IB programmes, fostering critical thinking, intercultural understanding and multilingualism.

International schools in Ireland are known for their cultural diversity and inclusion, creating an environment where students from different backgrounds can thrive. They also offer support for English language learners to help them succeed academically.

Admission to these schools is competitive, often requiring entrance assessments, interviews, and the submission of transcripts and recommendations. Long waiting lists are common due to high demand, limited capacity and the growing expat population. It's advisable to apply as early as possible.

Tuition fees at international schools can be steep. Consider negotiating with your employer to include tuition fee coverage in your compensation package to offset these costs. Emphasise the importance of international education for your children's future, and highlight the common practice of providing this perk for expatriate employees.

Useful links

• International Schools: Department of Education

Special-needs education in Ireland

In Ireland, all children with disabilities have the constitutional right to free education up to the age of 18. This right is implemented through a hybrid model that includes mainstream classes, special classes within mainstream schools and specialised special schools. The aim is to provide the most inclusive and suitable educational setting for each child's needs.

In mainstream schools, inclusive practices are common. These include dedicated special education teachers, special-needs assistants (SNAs) and sensory rooms. Schools also use differentiated teaching methods and curriculum adaptations to cater to diverse learning needs. The goal is to integrate students with disabilities into the mainstream environment as much as possible.

There are several special schools in Ireland, mainly in Dublin, catering to various disabilities. These include schools for intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, physical disabilities, sensory impairments and emotional and behavioural difficulties. Special schools have smaller class sizes, highly trained staff and tailored facilities to meet the complex needs of their students.

Special schools use individualised education plans, multidisciplinary teams, assistive technologies and vocational training to support students. This holistic, student-centred approach aims to enable each child to reach their full potential.

Useful links

• Support for Pupils with Special Educational Needs: Department of Education
• Citizens Information: Special Education Needs Services

Tutors in Ireland

When arriving in Ireland, your child may feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar surroundings. A dedicated tutor can provide not only academic support but also help them settle in and build confidence. English language tutors are particularly valuable for children who are not fluent in English.

Tutors in Ireland are highly qualified, often holding degrees in English, maths, sciences, and languages. Many have teaching experience and are Garda-vetted for child safety. They can offer one-on-one attention tailored to your child's needs, helping them progress academically while adjusting to their new environment.

Tutors also assist in easing the transition to a new school system and culture, acting as mentors and guides. They help build your child's confidence, making the adjustment smoother and less stressful.

Top tutoring agencies in Ireland cover various subjects and age groups. They offer support in primary and secondary school subjects, exam preparation, special-needs education and extracurricular activities like music and sports. Some leading agencies include First Tutors Ireland and Home Tutors Ireland.

Useful links

• First Tutors Ireland
• Home Tutors Ireland