High school

: High School also refers to the highest form of classical riding, High School Dressage.

Republic of Ireland

:Main article: Education in the Republic of Ireland

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Around the age of 12 students start secondary school. Secondary school is sometimes divided into several parts Middle School (Meánscoil) Transition Year and High School (Ardscoil) .

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The first three years are known as the Junior Cycle which builds on the education received at primary level and culminates with the Junior Certificate Examination. The Junior Certificate Examination is taken after three years of study and not before fourteen years of age.

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Transition Year (4th year) is usually optional, however in some private schools it is mandatory. The content of this is left to the school to model on the local needs often focusing on work placement and related projects. The program is being taken by an increasing number of students.

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After TY there are two Years left (5th and 6th year). The senior Cycle is studied in 5th and 6th year and builds on the junior cycle and culminates with the Leaving Certificate Examination. The Leaving Certificate Examination is taken after at least two years of study after the Junior Certificate Examination.

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Therefore, a typical secondary school will consist of First to Third Year (with the Junior Cert. at the end of Third), the usually optional Transistion Year (though compulsory in some schools), and Fifth and Sixth Year (with the Leaving Cert. at the end of Sixth).

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Students may not leave school until they have reached the age of 16. However the huge majority students attend and complete secondary education and some often repeat 6th year if they are not satisfied with their leaving cert results.

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