School stays are suitable for ambitious and highly motivated students who wish to attend a State Secondary School in Ireland for a full year. Students must be aged between 14 and 17 and have a minimum English language level of B1 (Independent User). Parents can be assured that they are sending their teenage children to a caring environment. Please note that Non-EEA students may not have an automatic right to enrol in a state-funded school.

Benefits of Secondary School Stays in an English speaking country

Attending a secondary school in an English speaking country has become an important aspect of the education path for many European students. Having spend a school term or longer abroad will stand out on any application for a job or for further studies. It will widen the young person’s employment opportunities.

General English Evening Classes

Students may take part in General English Evening Classes at The Slaney Language Centre and if they wish work on their English Language Development.

The Irish School System

Years 1 to 3:
Junior Cycle (starting at age 12) culminating with the Junior Certificate. Subjects include Math, English, Science, a Language, Business Studies and Irish. International students are exempt from Irish.

Year 4:
Transition Year (average age: 15/16). This year is the most popular year for visiting international students. Transition year provides traditional subjects and also allows for the exploration of many other subject areas along with outside projects and cultural experience.

Years 5 to 6:
Senior Cycle (average age: 16/17/18). This cycle culminates with the Leaving Certificate. These two years have greater emphasis on individual research abilities, study skills and a more analytical approach to subject matters. The Leaving Certificate standard is equivalent to the UK A-level examination.

Homestay Accommodation

Our host families are visited by our own staff and treat their students as if they would their own family member. We do our utmost to match each student with the most suitable host family. Homestay accommodation includes breakfasts, packed lunches and evening dinners. On weekends the student has all meals with the family.

Included in the Programme

• First Arrival and Final Departure Airport Transfers
• Airport transfers for Christmas Holidays
• Guardianship Services
• Local orientation
• Full Board Host Family Accommodation (including Easter holidays)
• School Registration
• School Fees
• Use of all School Uniform items that include a school logo (to be returned at the end of the stay)
• 24-Hour Emergency Number
• Support Classes every two weeks
• Saturday Day-trips every 5 weeks

Further Information and Fees on request.

Please note that ACELS does not recognise school placements and ELT courses of less than 15 hours per week.