The first official stage of the Irish educational system is called the 'Junior Cycle'. This lasts eight years and takes place in the 'Primary Schools'.
Children usually start attending at the age of four or five.
It is the law in Ireland to send children to school before the age of six. On completion of the Primary School Curriculum, the young students are ready to enter the next stage of their education. It is compulsory for children to attend school until the age of fifteen. Primary Schools are mainly state-aided institutions, although a number of them are privately run. Each school is run by a board of management, comprised of representatives of parents, teachers and local clergy.