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Children are typically enrolled in the Junior Infant class at the age of either four or five depending on the wishes of their parents and the policy of the school. Some schools require the child be four years of age before a specific date in order to enrol. Otherwise, the child must seek a place in a different school or wait until the next year to enrol.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment prepare the Primary School Curriculum which is taught in all schools. It is left to church authorities to formulate and implement the religious curriculum in the schools they control.
Irish Primary School Levels
- Junior Infants Naíonáin Shóisearacha – Age 4-5/5-6
- Senior Infants Naíonáin Shinsearacha – Age 5-6/6-7
- First Class Rang a hAon – Age 6-7/7-8
- Second Class Rang a Dó – Age 7-8/8-9
- Third Class Rang a Trí – Age 8-9/9-10
- Fourth Class Rang a Ceathar – Age 9-10/10-11
- Fifth Class Rang a Cúig – Age 10-11/11-12
- Sixth Class Rang a Sé – Age 11-12/12-13
Types of Irish Primary Schools
National Schools
Typically controlled by a board of management under diocesan patronage and often include a local clergyman.
Gaelscoileanna
Irish is the language spoken in these schools, but they differ from Irish-language National Schools in Irish-speaking regions in that most are under the patronage of a voluntary organisation, Foras Pátrúnachta na Scoileanna Lán-Ghaeilge, rather than a diocesan patronage.
Multi Denominational Schools
Generally under the patronage of a non-profit limited company without share capital. Many are under the patronage of a voluntary organisation, Educate Together. These schools welcome students from all religions and backgrounds.
Preparatory Schools
Independent, fee-paying primary schools that do not rely on the state for funding. Most are under the patronage of a religious order.
Irish Primary School Hours
Primary school hours are typically 9am to 3pm and the younger children in the Junior and Senior Infant levels usually finish at 2pm. There is a one hour lunch break and most schools allow children to return home to eat as they don’t typically provide a cooked meal. Be aware that individual schools may vary.
School-Age Childcare
Services for schoolchildren can include breakfast clubs, after school clubs and school holiday programs such as summer camps. The service may also include homework supervision, planned activities and a meal.
How to Enrol in Irish Primary Schools
To find schools in your area, go onto the Department of Education’s website ‘Find a School’ function. To apply for a place in an Irish primary school, contact the school directly. It’s best to contact the school as soon as possible as most schools have waiting lists in place. Be aware that your child may be required to sit an entrance exam.
- You can save money by buying, selling or exchanging second hand school books from the schooldays.ie website.
Sman
We are recently moving to the dublin from UK due to job change.
We will need a place for our 2 boys, ages 9 and 5
Please advise – do all schools entertain in-year transfer policy for children coming from overseas.
we are interested in educate together schools.
any help in this regards, so much appreciated. I am worried how best to avoid any gap in schooling of children
Sneha
My child will turn 4 years old on 9th July 2024. Will she be eligible for primary school in September 2024?
Anju
Hi,
Colleen
This is Anju from Waterford, my 7 and half year old son and husband joined with me on April2023 ,My son Aarush kumar v, has completed his second class in india. Though we started searching for admission for second class for him in waterford.unfourtunately ,we were not able get second class admission for him .when I approached St Declans NS in Waterford they offer senior infant class for him.they said they don’t have place in 1st or second class and his age is ok for senior infant class so I send him there for few days . Actually I was not aware about Ireland education system and I thought mean time I can send him to senior infant in the same school .I was keep on searching for second class admission then I seek help from Tulsa,I explained them about the situation and we are not happy to send him for seniors infant as he is too old for that class . Finally,they help me to get admission for him in second class in scoil Lorcan that was on June 2023. That time also no one told me that he can’t go to second as he attended few days senior infant class in declans .we received welcome pack and we personally went there to confirm his admission for 2nd class . 2 days back also I received call from scoil Lorcan regarding his admission confirmation and start date ,Today ( 25/8/23) again I have received call from scoil Lorcan and said he started senior infants in st declans school ,and his name is registered in POD databases ,so he has to go 1st class .This registration is the only reason that they can’t give him place for second at the same time they have seat availability .He is going to be 8 yrs in 2 month ,as a parent I can’t imagine that he is going to 1st class and he will be going to be 1 yrs back in school ,he is too older for this class.we were not aware about this registration process If some one could explained about this initially I won’t send him for few days senior infant class.kindly provide me a solution, how can he get place for second class ,whom should I contact . Hope you will be able to help us
Looking forward to hearing from you
Thanks
Anju
Colleen
Hi Anju,
This website only provides general information for people moving to Ireland and does not provide individualised support services. School Days is a helpful website for parenting and education in Ireland which you might find useful.
Hiral Asher
Hello Anju, I have few queries and concern, could you pls get in touch with me
Lelde
Hello. My son moved to Ireland in start of summer. He is 12 years old at moment. Turning 13 in January. I am applying him for 6th class. Or should I apply for college?
Like he would start 6th class at 12 years old. And in middle of school year he turns 13.
Viktoriia Bernikova
Hello, Colleen! I decided to tell you that I’m very surprised about the education in Ireland. My children go to primary and to secondary school. They didn’t feel tired during the year, but when today they brought all their workbooks and projects from school – I couldn’t believe they could do all that work. It’s really perfect! The teachers are so professional. Although we are from another country and children didn’t know neither English, no Irish. Now they speak English. Thanks a million to all teachers in Ireland!
Joshua John
Hello Colleen,
I would like to thank you for the resources you have put together, they have been most helpful.
I would like to understand further on the prospect of securing admission to class 6 beginning this September(2023). My daughter would be relocating to Ireland around May. At that point, my worry is that it might be too late to secure admission for her. Your kind advise on how to initiate the process of finding a school would be helpful. I reside at Dublin 8.
go raibh maith agat!
Best regards,
Josh.
Colleen
I suggest you start contacting schools in your area using the Department of Educations ‘Find a school function’ and ask them what they advise for your situation.
Mehmet Ercan Kuzudisli
Hi, Colleen. For my final exam, I am doing a research on the education of Ireland and Turkey. I need much more detailed information about Irish education. Can you help me?
Colleen
Sorry, as I don’t work in Education I would not be able to provide you with any in depth information. You will need to contact the education providers.
Jitendra
Hi,
We are from India and will move to Ireland March 2023, My son will turn 4 this 26th October 2023, Will primary school consider his admission as he is 1 month and 26 days younger on 1st September 2023?
Bit worried that my kid may need to wait for the whole year to be able to go to primary school because he is not 4 year old on 1st Sept 2023.
Jasmine
Hi, I am a primary teacher and your child must be four years old to begin primary school, five years old is the recommended age.
Amresh Gul
Dear Colleen,
I will be moving to Ireland most probably in April 2023 on employment visa as I will be working as a GP in Ireland. What would you recommend that do I need to travel with my family, including 2 kids or once I get settle down then I can bring them.
My daughter who will be 7 years 6 months at that time so, at what grade she will be enrolled as she will complete her grade 2 here in Oman. My son who will be 3 years 5 months and I believe he will be in pre school
Colleen
Hi Amresh Gul,
Sorry I’m not quite sure what your first question is asking? If your employment visa allows you to bring your family, then it would be nice to bring them over once you are settled in.
With regards to schooling, you will need to contact the schools in the area you are moving to and ask them about your daughters enrolment.
Gerhard GARTNER
Hi Colleen,
My family and me want to spend 6 months in Ireland. We are Austrian citizen. My son is 9 and will attend the 3rd year primary school. I will remain working at current position with the employer and I will work from remote, online.
My question is:
– How do I find a school for my son and where do I have to register ?
– Do I need a visa or work permit for my stay ?
Thank you
rgds
Colleen
Hi Gerhard Gartner,
Please see the Irish Citizens information for answers to your questions. Excerpts:
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/moving_to_ireland/rights_of_residence_in_ireland/residence_rights_eu_national.html
As Austrian citizens you have a right to live in Ireland if you are working. If you have the right to reside in Ireland, then your family has the right to reside in Ireland with you.
When you come to Ireland, you do not need to register with the local immigration office and you do not need a residence card to live here.
If your family member has a residence card under EU regulations issued by another EU/EEA country or Switzerland, they do not need a visa to enter Ireland. You should note that a family member normally gets this type of residence card if you are residing in a country that is not your country of nationality.
All children living in Ireland have the right to education.
To find schools in the area that you are moving to, go onto the Department of Education’s website ‘Find a School’ function https://www.gov.ie/en/service/find-a-school/
Gihani
Hello,
My name is Gihani.I’m from Italy.I would like get some infromation about schooling for the minors.we are Sri lankan passport holders and we’ve been living in Italy for 14 years .we are Italian PR holders as well.I was wondering to bring my kids who are 8 years and 6 years for schooling in Ireland .
Thank you
regards
Gihani.
Simon
Hello. My family moved to Ireland in 2016 and applied to school. According to the Latvian school system, my daughter had one year left until 1st class, but in Ireland she was placed in the Junior group. Therefore, this year she studies in the 5th class and her peers in the 6th class.My daughter is very smart and claims that she would be able to complete not only the 5th class tests but also to keep up with the 6th class study material. Tell me, please, does Ireland practice a double school year so that my daughter will have completed both the 5th and 6th class exams before the summer break and go to secondary school next year?
Colleen
Hi Simon, this is something you will need to discuss and negotiate with the school directly. If you are looking for support and advice from other parents, then try posting on the SchoolDays.ie website.
Nelia Hulin
My son is a twin who regressed when his father left to in Scotland. We moved to Ireland in 2019 and with the schools help we held him back a year. It has done him the world of good. We are moving counties and the new school won’t accept him into the current year his is in they say he is too old. Why is it fine in one school but not the other?
Nelia Hulin
My son is a twin who regressed when his father left to in Scotland. We moved to Irland in 2019 and with the schools help we held him back a year. It has done him the world of good. We are moving counties and the new school won’t accept him into the current year his is in they say he is too old. Why is it fine in one school but not the other?
Alan O'Byrne
Hi,
Moving back home from the states with wife and son. I notice seems we need to register for primary school. Can i register and then pick a different school if we don’t get the location we are looking for to move to?
Colleen
You can always choose to go with another school if it is not in the location you move to, but be aware that there may be waitlists. You would be best discussing your options directly with the schools you are considering so that they can provide you advice on how best to proceed.
Barbara Hamilton
Is all primary school education provided in Irish? Considering moving family . Children only know Englishwoman Mayo
Deric Lim
Hi Colleen,
We are from Malaysia and will relocate to Ireland this year soon. I wondering whether or not as expatriate children eligible to apply public primary and secondary school? If yes, any recommend information website can be shared with is most appreciated.
Thank you very much.
Sandeep
What is school fees for school for Std 6 and Std 1
Jay Reiback
Hi there,
My name is Jay Reiback I am very interested in coaching waterpolo or rugby in Ireland next year and was wondering if you have anything available?
I have coached at Rondebosch Boys high school which is the best waterpolo school in South Africa and one of the best rugby schools for the last 4 years coaching in ages from U10 to U13 I have coached players in A teams as well as teams with less skill. I played for western province waterpolo in U16 and u19 and represented South African U18 side at the Maccabi games. I have played rugby since I was 7 and represented my schools first team for two years at an U19 level I have also been offered contracts in Ireland and England.
I am very keen to bring a new and exciting approach to waterpolo and rugby in Ireland and would love to bring my knowledge and understanding of the 2 games and coaching to your club. I have an Irish passport and am very keen to come as soon as possible.
Kind Regards
Jay Reiback
Colleen
Hi Jay,
This website is not affiliated with any sporting club. You would need to contact them directly.
Headfort School
Hello,
Headfort School is a private prep school (day and boarding) in Kells, Co Meath. We accept children from 4 years to 13 years. Boarding is available for children over 9 years of age. We are a non-denominational school. We offer after school care and early drop off in morning.
You can visit our website on http://www.headfortschool.com. Please call the office if you would like more information:
046 92 71116.
Simone Raubenheimer
Hi Colleen
What should we do if we’ve made contact with the schools in the area that we would like to move to, but they don’t have space for our children. We will be relocating from South Africa in December 2020 with a 8, 9 and 15 year old. We have contacted multi denominational schools.
Colleen
As per the advice on the Irish Citizens website, if a school tells you that your child is on a waiting list, you should ask the school where they are on the wait list and how you will be informed of any changes to your child’s place on the list. The Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) can help you if you are having difficulty in finding a school place for your child.
Patricia Scott
Hi, we are immigrating from South Africa in February and are looking at moving to Wexford (first option) or Cork (second option). I have a daughter who is turning 10 in April next here and if she was in SA she would be going to grade 4. My son is turning 16 next year and would be doing SA grade 9. When we apply for school for next year in Ireland, how do I know what year/grade I should apply to for them.
Colleen
Hi Patricia, I suggest discussing this with the schools that you apply for.
Carlos Fontana
Hi Colleen, thanks for your post, it’s very useful.
I have an 8-year-old son and I’m planning to move to Dublin during the first months of next year.
Do you know if we should move to a specific neighbourhood near to an elementary school to have more chances to get a seat there?
Do you know if there is a ranking of the schools? Of course, all the public schools follow the same guidelines, but maybe there are some differences between them.
Colleen
I suggest you visit the Schooldays.ie website for great resources and forums for parents.
The Government Education website is the best resource for finding schools in the area you are planning on moving to and also provides detailed information such as their school inspection reports.
Katie Creager
Hello,
I was wondering what the laws on homeschool are in Ireland. We are from US and due to restrictions on my oldest sons health we have been homeschooling. Can we continue homeschool as long as we participate in Irish curriculum?
Colleen
You have a constitutional right to educate your children at home. More details here on the Citizens information page.
reji
how can i migrate or get a job in Ireland
Mary wawira
Hi I’m planning to move to Ireland as a house keeper,will I have to pay for school fees for my 6years and2.5years old sons education
Colleen
If you are eligible to live and work in Ireland then your children can access public schooling and are entitled to free primary and post-primary education. However, you may find that there is little or no choice in the area in which you live as many are full and have a waiting list. You need to start contacting schools in the area you are moving to do establish their admissions policy.
William
Hello, I am from Ecuador and next month I will move to Irland with my wife and 6 years old stepson. I got a hosting agreement to continue with my Ph.D. studies at UCD. Can I enroll my stepson in a public school?
thank you so much
Colleen
Children are entitled to free primary and post-primary education. However, you may find that there is little or no choice in the area in which you live as many are full and have a waiting list. You need to start contacting schools in the area you are moving to do establish their admissions policy.
Ayobanna Ikeanumba
Hi
My wife and I plan to enrol our three kids in an English speaking school in Dublin or Cork. They are 2yrs, 4yrs and 5yrs. My wife will have to be staying with them while I stay back in Nigeria.
Please can you give me any immigration guide to this effect? That is, is it possible to do this? Can they be enrolled in a government school?
Thanks
Colleen
It will really depend on what schools are available in the area that you are moving to and whether they have a waitlist to get in. Start by visiting the Department of Education’s website and use the ‘Find a School’ function. Then contact the schools to see what is available. For your younger children here is information about pre-school and childcare options.
If you and your children are non-Irish and non-EEA then it depends on your visa status as to whether they will have to attend paying schools as outlined in the ‘Transitional Arrangements regarding the placement in schools of non-EEA Children not accompanied by parents and of children of non-EEA Students in Ireland’
Minh
Hi Colleen,
We are from Sweden and will move to Ireland this April. I just wonder after arrival if I apply my kids (7 and 5) for primary schools, can they go to school by this September? I read on the Internet that the schools in Ireland normally receive applications in September and finalize in the next February. Just so worried that my kids may need to wait for the whole year to be able to go to school.
Thank you very much.
Colleen
Have you started to contact the schools in the area you are moving to? Some of the popular schools run waitlists so you are best to contact them now to discuss the approximate timeline of your kids getting into school.