Prior to primary school education children are expected to have attended some foundation years usually as part of a parent toddler group, a nursery group or a playgroup. Upon reaching the age of five the child will start full time education with classes usually running from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday for three terms a year. The primary school education lasts approximately 7 years where the child will progress through what are referred to as ‘years 1 to 6’. The school year also consists of 13 weeks holiday over Christmas, Easter and summer and also a week in each term.
Most children are educated through state funded schools which are financed through the government tax system thus making education free for all. There are other options such as religion specific schools, fee paying public schools and to a much lesser extent home schooling. All these options are perfectly acceptable as long as the school has been approved by the education body or in the case of home schooling a rigorous teaching program is adhered to.
State funded schools providing primary education are known as 'Primary Shools'. In the private sector, fee-paying public schools that provide primary education are known as preparatory schools. Preparatory schools frequently provide extended schooling up until the age of 13, unlike state funded schools where education typically finishes when the student reaches 11 years old.
Most children are educated through state funded schools which are financed through the government tax system thus making education free for all. There are other options such as religion specific schools, fee paying public schools and to a much lesser extent home schooling. All these options are perfectly acceptable as long as the school has been approved by the education body or in the case of home schooling a rigorous teaching program is adhered to.
State funded schools providing primary education are known as 'Primary Shools'. In the private sector, fee-paying public schools that provide primary education are known as preparatory schools. Preparatory schools frequently provide extended schooling up until the age of 13, unlike state funded schools where education typically finishes when the student reaches 11 years old.