There has been considerable growth in the number of integrated schools in Northern Ireland and multi-denominational schools in the Republic of Ireland. Both represent trends towards more pluralist education and the motivation for their establishment has generally come from parents. Integrated schools in Northern Ireland have emerged within a Christian ethos. In the Republic of Ireland it is stressed that multi-denominational schools are to serve 'all religions and none'. It can be argued that preschool provision is inadequate and under-funded in both jurisdictions, particularly when compared to other European standards.
Statutory regulations are more developed in Northern Ireland.
In the Republic of Ireland the State makes special provision at preschool level for the children of travellers. This is not the case in Northern Ireland. The organising principles of the school systems are different in each jurisdiction. In Northern Ireland, distinctive characteristics are segregation by religion and selection at age 11. In the Republic of Ireland schools tend to be distinguished by their disparate emphases on academic, vocational or technical education.