
Junior Cycle - Year 1, 2 and 3, age 12 - 15
The first year of secondary school start at the age of 12 or 13, having completed 8 years of primary school.

Transition Year - Year 4, aged 15-16
Unique to Ireland, Transition Year forms a break between the junior cycle and the senior cycle.

Senior Cycle - Year 5 and 6, aged 16-18
Students take the Leaving Certificate Examination, which is necessary for high school graduation and university entrance.