Irish Secondary Schooling (Meánscoil)

The Department of Education and Skills develop the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools which sets out the minimum standards of education required at this level. Examinations are overseen by the State Examinations Commission.

Irish Secondary School Levels

Junior Cycle (Timthriall Sóisearach)

• First Year An Chéad Bhliain – Age 12–14
• Second Year An Dara Bliain – Age 13–15
• Third Year An Tríú Bliain – Age 14–16

The Junior Cycle ends with the Junior Certificate Examination. This exam is held in early June. Many schools hold Pre-Certificate Examinations to prepare students around February. These pre-examinations are provided by independent companies and are not mandatory across all schools.

Transition Year (Idirbhliain)

• Transition Year Idirbhliain – Age 15–17

The Transition Year is optional in some schools, compulsory in others, and some may not provide it at all. The content of this year is left to the school. The range of activities in the Transition Year varies from school to school, but many include work experience, project work, international trips or exchanges and excursions, and courses such as creative writing, sailing, film-making and public speaking.

The purported benefits of the program are that it allows students to mature and explore career options to assist them when choosing subjects for their senior cycle. However, opponents believe that a year away from traditional study and the classroom environment can cause problems when they return to do the Senior Cycle. The activities can also be very costly and some believe that the activities undertaken in the Transition Year can prevent students from enrolling in the Senior Cycle.

Senior Cycle (Timthriall Sinsearach)

• Fifth Year An Cúigiú Bliain – Age 16–18 or if transition year is skipped age 15–17
• Sixth Year An Séú Bliain – Age 17–19 or if transition year is skipped age 16–18

The Senior Cycle ends with the Leaving Certificate Examination. This exam is held on the first Wednesday after the June bank holiday. Many schools hold Pre-Certificate Examinations to prepare students around February. These pre-examinations are provided by independent companies and are not mandatory across all schools.

Types of Irish Secondary Schools

Secondary Schools

Owned and managed by religious communities or private organisations. The state funds 90% of teachers’ salaries and 95% of other costs.

Vocational Schools

Owned and managed by Education and Training Boards. The state funds 93% of their costs.

Comprehensive Schools or Community Schools

Fully funded by the state, and run by local boards of management.

Gaelcholáistes

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.

Grind Schools

Fee paying privately run schools outside the state sector that tend to run only Senior Cycle 5th and 6th year as well as a one year repeat Leaving Certificate programme. Some students opt for grinds to improve their grades.

Irish Secondary School Hours

Secondary school hours are typically 9am to 4pm with a one hour lunch break. 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.

How To Enrol in Irish Secondary Schools

To apply for a place in an Irish secondary school, contact the school directly. To find schools in your area, go onto the Department of Education’s website ‘Find a School’ function. Its best to contact the school as soon as possible as most schools have waiting lists in place. Your child may be required to sit an entrance exam.

Find out about the Secondary School Holidays.