TYPES OF PROGRAMS:

The Irish Education System was traditionally divided into three basic levels: Primary (8 years); Secondary (5 or 6 years) and Third level which offers a wide range of opportunities from post-Secondary courses, to vocational and technical training, to full degree and the highest post-graduate level.

PRIMARY EDUCATION:

The primary education system emphasizes a child-centered approach and is founded on the belief that high quality education enables children to realize their potential as individual and to live their lives to the fullest capacity appropriate to their particular stage of development.

SECOND LEVEL EDUCATION:

The second-level education sector in Ireland comprises secondary, Vocational, Community and Comprehensive Schools. The types of schools mainly differ on the basis of administration and sources funding.


HIGHER EDUCATION:

Third Level Education System in Ireland is broad in scope and encompasses the university sector, the technological sector, the college of education and private, independent colleges. The first three grouping which comprise 34 institutions are autonomous and self governing, but are substantially state funded.