The Irish Education System consists of primary, secondary, and higher education levels. Primary education typically starts at age 4 or 5 and lasts for eight years. Students then move to secondary school, which lasts for five or six years, culminating in the Leaving Certificate exam that determines eligibility for higher education. Higher education in Ireland includes universities, institutes of technology, and colleges. Students can pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various fields. The system emphasizes a broad curriculum, encouraging critical thinking and personal development, while also providing vocational training options for those seeking specific career paths.