Grade Equivalencies: Irish School System vs. Spanish School System

Want to find out how the Irish and Spanish education systems compare? We’ve got you covered!

Here is a quick guide to understanding how the grades relate and how they can influence your child's education.

The Irish education system

1. Secondary school in Ireland: From ages 12 to 18, divided into two cycles:
   • Junior Cycle (1st, 2nd, 3rd Year): Starts at age 12 and covers three years.
   • Senior Cycle (5th, 6th Year): Two years of specialization before the Leaving Cert.
2. Leaving Cert: The final exam at age 18 that determines access to university or technical training.

The Spanish education system

1. Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) From ages 12 to 16, divided into two cycles:
   • Cycle 1 (1st and 2nd Year ESO)
   • Cycle 2 (3rd and 4th Year ESO)
2. Bachillerato: A two-year stage (ages 16–18) where students specialize in areas such as Sciences or Humanities before the EvAU (university entrance exam).

Equivalencies between the Irish and Spanish systems – Qualifications and validation

The Irish Leaving Cert is equivalent to the Spanish EvAU, the university entrance exam. If your child completes the Leaving Cert, they will need to validate their qualification to enter Spanish universities—and we are here to help you with this process!

Make informed decisions: Understanding grade equivalencies helps you better plan your child's education in Ireland. This way, you can make informed decisions for their academic future.

👉 View our Detailed Guide and services for the Academic Year in Ireland here.

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