Education and training
Most education is free
The Department of Education and Science is responsible for the education of children in Ireland – www.education.ie
The Irish education system is made up of primary, second level (also called post-primary or secondary school), third level (university or institute of technology also known as VEC) and further education. State funded schooling is available at all levels unless you choose to send your child to a private school. All newcomer children, whether asylum seekers, convention or programme refugees or children of migrant workers between four and 18 years old have a right to the same primary and post-primary education as the rest of the Irish population.
The law requires that all children must take part in full-time education between the ages of six and 16 (although most children start school at age four or five). Most children in Ireland can attend primary and secondary school for free regardless of nationality or status. However, there are usually some costs involved like books, photocopying and school uniforms.
Some support is available to people on low income or receiving social welfare benefits. For example, the Back-to-School Clothing & Footwear Allowance may help with uniform costs. Transport is available to bring pupils to school if they live a particular distance from the school. You may need to pay for this service. Information on transport is available from schools (see contact details on the back page). Many schools offer additional supports to pupils who have particular needs.
The school year starts in late August or early September and all schools close during July and August (secondary schools are also closed in June). Other school holidays take place at Christmas, Easter and between terms (usually end of October and February). Schools are closed on Bank Holidays and National Holidays.
Most education is free
The Department of Education and Science is responsible for the education of children in Ireland – www.education.ie
The Irish education system is made up of primary, second level (also called post-primary or secondary school), third level (university or institute of technology also known as VEC) and further education. State funded schooling is available at all levels unless you choose to send your child to a private school. All newcomer children, whether asylum seekers, convention or programme refugees or children of migrant workers between four and 18 years old have a right to the same primary and post-primary education as the rest of the Irish population.
The law requires that all children must take part in full-time education between the ages of six and 16 (although most children start school at age four or five). Most children in Ireland can attend primary and secondary school for free regardless of nationality or status. However, there are usually some costs involved like books, photocopying and school uniforms.
Some support is available to people on low income or receiving social welfare benefits. For example, the Back-to-School Clothing & Footwear Allowance may help with uniform costs. Transport is available to bring pupils to school if they live a particular distance from the school. You may need to pay for this service. Information on transport is available from schools (see contact details on the back page). Many schools offer additional supports to pupils who have particular needs.
The school year starts in late August or early September and all schools close during July and August (secondary schools are also closed in June). Other school holidays take place at Christmas, Easter and between terms (usually end of October and February). Schools are closed on Bank Holidays and National Holidays.