Most children in Ireland will start primary school between the age of four and five. Legally, children can enrol at school from the age of four upwards and they must start school before the age of six. The primary school cycle is eight years long, with two years being spent in infant classes, with a further six years after that.
The primary school education sector is made up of lots of different primary schools including:
- Denominational schools
- Multi-denominational schools
- Irish speaking school
- Special schools
- Non-State-aided private primary schools.
Education in State primary schools is free of charge. The current and capitol costs of primary schools, including teachers’ salaries are funded by the Government and supplemented by local contributions.
