Overview of Education System
The administration of education in Ireland is centralized, and overall responsibility lies with the Minister for Education and Skills. The Department of Education and Skills, together with a number of bodies under its aegis, is responsible for running the education system. Almost all primary and post-primary schools are state funded, and consequently are required to operate under the Education Act of 1998 and the curriculum, assessment, and evaluation framework established by the Department of Education and Skills, which was based on advice from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.7 Similarly, although early childhood programs typically are delivered outside the formal education system by a range of private, community, and voluntary interests, most receive state funding and therefore must follow a common curriculum framework. The Inspectorate division of the Department of Education and Skills has the responsibility to evaluate and report on educational provision in all schools and centers of education that are supported by the department.
The education system comprises primary, post-primary, third level, and further education. As of September 2016, families are eligible for free early childhood care and education for children ages 3 to 5½, or until entry into primary school. Approximately 95 percent of eligible children participate in early childhood programs. Primary schools operate an eight year program that includes two preprimary years (junior infants and senior infants) and Grades 1 to 6. The primary education sector comprises state funded primary schools, special schools, and a few private primary schools. Although they are state funded, schools are owned by patron bodies that define the ethos of the school and appoint the Board of Management to run it in accordance with centrally agreed‑upon procedures. Currently, 90 percent of primary schools are Roman Catholic, 6 percent follow other Christian faiths, and most of the remainder are based on multidenominational principles. All state funded schools must follow the primary school curriculum, which was implemented in 1999.8 Private schools offer a similar education.
Although there is some variation in types of post-primary schools (e.g., vocational, community or comprehensive, privately owned and managed secondary schools), the curriculum is substantially the same in all. Post-primary education consists of a three year junior cycle program followed by a two year senior cycle program. About two-thirds of students opt to extend the senior cycle to three years, by completing a “transition yearˮ after the junior cycle.9 This optional year promotes students’ personal, vocational, and educational development. Senior cycle students follow one of three programs leading to a terminal state examination, through which students may earn a Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Vocational, or Leaving Certificate Applied.