All children in both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland are entitled to free primary and post-primary education 

 North  

In Northern Ireland, there are two broad school categories: grant-aided and Independent. Most schools are grant-aided. These schools follow the revised curriculum. Independent schools are fee-paying and follow their own curriculum. For a list of different types of schools see: Types of school | nidirect. 

Special needs

For information on Special Schools see: Special educational needs: choosing a school | nidirect  

Find a school

You can search for a school on the Education Authority website eani.org.uk  

See also  

• The Education Authority NI: eani.org.uk  
• NI Direct: Types of Post-Primary Schools  

South  

All children are entitled to free primary and post-primary education if they attend a state-funded school, which the majority do. If you choose to send your child to a private school, you will have to pay annual fees.  Source: Citizens Information 

The education sector in Ireland consists of:  

• State-funded schools (including religious schools, multi-denominational schools, and Irish language medium schools)  
• Special schools  
• Private schools  

Education for children with special needs is free and may be provided in mainstream classes in mainstream schools, in special classes in mainstream schools or in special schools. For more see: Special needs education (citizensinformation.ie)  

Find a school is a map-based application that allows you to find schools in an area and see information about the school(s), including school inspection reports. Source: Department of Education

See also  

• Citizens Information: Overview of the Irish education system
• Border people: Studying in Ireland – Exemption from Irish

Cross Border  

Children living on one side of the border are able to access an education on the other side of the border.  This continues to be protected under the Common Travel Area arrangements. Source: www.education-ni.gov.uk

Page last updated November 2022

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