# Primary and post-primary education | Schooling | Moving to Ireland > Education is an important aspect of Irish society, with a strong emphasis placed on providing quality education to all students. Ireland's education… Source: https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/primary-and-post-primary-education/ Schooling · Step 3 of 6 # Primary and post-primary education 2 min read · Updated 13 September 2026 Education is an important aspect of Irish society, with a strong emphasis placed on providing quality education to all students. Ireland's education system is divided into primary, post-primary, and higher education, with all children having access to free primary and post-primary education. ## Primary Education Primary education in Ireland is mandatory for all children aged 6 to 12 years. It is typically completed over an 8-year period and provides students with a solid foundation in literacy, numeracy, and social skills. The primary curriculum covers a broad range of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, history, geography, art, music, and physical education. ## Post-Primary Education Post-primary education is for students aged between 12 and 18 years. It is divided into junior cycle (first three years) and senior cycle (final two or three years). Students generally take a range of subjects during the junior cycle, including English, Irish, mathematics, science, history, geography, and physical education. In the senior cycle, students have more flexibility in the subjects they study. They must take a minimum of five subjects, including English and Irish, and can choose from a range of options including mathematics, science, languages, social studies, and creative arts. At the end of senior cycle, students can sit for the Leaving Certificate examination, which is the main qualification for entry to higher education in Ireland. ## Higher Education Higher education in Ireland is provided by a range of institutions, including universities, institutes of technology, and colleges of education. Higher education qualifications range from certificates and diplomas to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Admission to higher education is based on a student's academic performance, with places awarded because of Leaving Certificate results, and sometimes based on an interview or portfolio submission. Irish universities are highly respected worldwide, with many ranked among the top universities globally. ## Special Education Ireland has a strong commitment to providing quality education for all students, including those with special educational needs. Children with special educational needs can receive additional support in mainstream schools, with extra resources provided for students with physical or intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties, or sensory impairments. Special schools and classes are also available for children with more complex needs. In conclusion, Ireland's education system is designed to provide quality education to all students, from early childhood education to higher education. The system is accessible and comprehensive, with a range of support available for students with special educational needs. ![](https://www.movingtoireland.co/apple-touch-icon.png) You have read 25% of this guide ## Keep reading in the Moving to Ireland app The rest of **Primary and post-primary education** — about 1 minute more — is in the app, free to download, alongside 98 other guides and a checklist built around your own move. Still to come in this guide - Post-Primary Education - Higher Education - Special Education [Download free on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261) iPhone and iPad · no account needed ## More on schooling [All 6 guides in this section](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/) - ### [An overview of Irish Education System](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/an-overview-of-irish-education-system/) Education is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of a healthy society, and Ireland has a strong education system that is highly regarded around the… 2 min read - ### [Pre-school education and childcare](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/pre-school-education-and-childcare/) Preschool education and childcare are crucial in a child's early development. In Ireland, the government has numerous initiatives to support families in… 2 min read - ### [State examinations](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/state-examinations/) In Ireland, the State Examinations are a vital part of the education system. These exams are taken by students at the end of their secondary school… 1 min read - ### [Third-level education](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/third-level-education/) Third level education in Ireland is highly regarded and recognized worldwide, with a range of courses available across universities, institutes of… 2 min read Keep going ## Get the full schooling roadmap in the app Moving to Ireland turns 99 guides into a personal checklist. Tell it your passport, whether you have moved yet, and who is coming with you, and it lays out every step in order — from the visa to the bins. - Step-by-step checklist - Tailored to your passport - Pre-move & post-move - Family & pet sections [![Download Moving to Ireland on the App Store](https://www.movingtoireland.co/images/app-store-badge.svg)](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261) ★★★★★ 4.9 on the App Store [![Expats who settled in Ireland, two five-star App Store reviews, and the Moving to Ireland app showing its relocation checklist](https://www.movingtoireland.co/images/app-social-proof.webp)](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261)