Irish Education System

New to the Irish education system?

Here's a quick overview of how it works:

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Preschool

The Preschool at Alexandra College is a two year programme for girls ages 3 and 4. Learn more about the Preschool.

Junior School

The Junior School at Alexandra College is the equivalent of a Primary School. Junior School covers eight years: a two-year infant cycle (Kindergarten) followed by six years from 1st to 6th Class. The school year runs from the end of August to the beginning of June.

The Junior School day in Alexandra College runs from 8:45 am and classes end at 3:00 pm. We offer a full child-centred educational programme from Preschool to J6 and a smooth transition into Senior School. We also offer boarding for students aged 10 and up. Learn more about the Junior School.

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Junior Cycle - 1st to 3rd Year

Students in 1st to 3rd Year (aged 12 to 15) follow the national Junior Cycle curriculum which offers a broad range of subjects, as well as encouraging key skills in communications, wellbeing, creativity, literacy, and more. Students complete the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement at the end of 3rd Year, which includes the State Junior Certificate Exam as well as classroom-based assessments completed in 2nd and 3rd Year. Learn more about our Curriculum.

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Transition Year

A group of girls in red and white uniforms pose for a photo holding white cardboard letters that spell 'Fresh'.

Discover You - Our Transition Year Programme

Transition Year or TY, is unique to Ireland. In 4th Year, free from external exam pressure, the girls can go past the acquisition of knowledge to consider who they want to be in the world and what they need to learn, think about, work hard at, and do so that they can live a good life well.

We focus on reflective learning and on giving the girls the space to take responsibility for their own lifelong development. We help the girls to develop the social skills they need to work collaboratively and constructively. Learn more about TY.

Senior Cycle - 5th and 6th Year

At the end of the Senior Cycle, the students sit the Leaving Certificate Examinations, which determine eligibility for university courses in Ireland and can be used for entry to universities globally. Most students study 7 subjects in the Senior Cycle and will then go on to sit the Leaving Certificate Examinations in those subjects.

Alexandra College has a strong record of points obtained in the Leaving Cert, with an average score of 524 points in 2021 well above the national average of around 300 points. 24.5% of our students attained 600 points or more, and 64% attained 500 points or more. 11 students attained the maximum of 625 points.

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School Life

We educate girls from ages 3 to 19 in the College, meaning no disruption to their schooling through those crucial years of growth.

Boarding at Alex

Boarding plays a central part in the life of the College, lending the school the energy, warmth and fun of a village community.

Alex International

Our students experience a diverse, vibrant community throughout the academic year, from bonding activities to "International Week" where food, dance, art and culture are celebrated by the whole school community.

Preschool

Junior School

Senior School

Junior Cycle - 1st to 3rd Year

Junior Cycle - 1st to 3rd Year

Transition Year

Discover You - Our Transition Year Programme

Senior Cycle - 5th and 6th Year

Senior Cycle - 5th and 6th Year

School Life

Boarding at Alex

Alex International

Senior School

Junior School

The Hermione

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