<Li> Grind Schools are fee paying privately run schools outside the state sector, who tend to run only the Senior Cycle curriculum for 5th and 6th Year students as well as a one - year repeat Leaving Certificate programme . </Li> <P> In urban areas, there is considerable freedom in choosing the type of school the child will attend . The emphasis of the education system at second level is as much on breadth as on depth; the system attempts to prepare the individual for society and further education or work . This is similar to the education system in Scotland . Although in 2012, the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) found Ireland to be 7th in reading and 20th in mathematics in a world survey at the age of 15 . </P> <P> Some students opt for grinds to improve their grades . </P> <P> The document Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools published by the Department of Education and Skills sets out the minimum standards of education required at this level . Examinations are overseen by the State Examinations Commission . Additional documents set out the standard in each element, module or subject . </P>

When did third level education become free in ireland