With its highly-diversified population today, Belfast offers excellent transportation systems, top-notch education facilities and high standards of living despite its turbulent past. With over 180 primary, secondary, and grammar schools in Belfast, all of which are governed by the Belfast Education and Library Board, there are plenty of choices for international students seeking education abroad.
Generally, the Department of Education is responsible for directing pre-school, primary and post-primary education across Northern Ireland. However, the Education and Library Boards are accountable for guaranteeing their areas are receiving adequate education provisions. All children between the ages of 4-16 must attend school. All Belfast schools use the Northern Ireland Revised Curriculum, which is based on the National Curriculum that is used across England and Wales.
Primary schools in Belfast educate pupils between the ages of 4 and 11 years. At 11 or 12 years’ pupils transfer to secondary schools. Publicly funded secondary education is offered from either secondary schools or grammar schools. At age 16, students take their GCSE examinations, which also marks the conclusion of mandatory education. Hereafter, students can transfer to the sixth form at secondary school, grammar school, or further education college in pursue of A-levels, vocational qualifications and training: The results from this stage determine entry into higher education.
In North Ireland, schools are either grant-aided or independent. Grant-aided schools follow the Revised Curriculum, while independent schools set their own curriculum. Religion plays an integral part in the education system of Northern Ireland. Approximately half of the schools in Northern Ireland are controlled schools. Governing bodies are responsible for managing the Belfast schools, but the education authority handles staff employment. These schools include:
These are state-funded schools which are run by board of governors.
These schools are usually funded by a foundation Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a safe and relaxed, yet vibrant city with a rich history, incredible architecture and the home of the Titanic. The city is the second-largest after Dublin with a diverse and multicultural population of over 300,000 people. As a major port and a key player in the industrial revolution from the onset of the 19th century, Belfast, nicknamed Linenopolis, is the biggest linen producer around the globe.
or trust, typically religious organizations. The schools are run by a board of governors, may use faith as a criterion for admission and teach religious education based on their own religion.
These schools were established by the Roman Catholic Church but are governed by a board of governors. However, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools oversees the management and employment of staff.
Integrated schools are open to all pupils regardless of faith, although they may be Christian in nature. The schools may be grant-maintained and run by a board of governors who are responsible for managing the school and employment of staff.
These are state-funded schools which are run by a board of governors. There are voluntary A grammar schools, which receive capital grants from the education authority and charge little to no fees, and Voluntary B grammar schools, which have greater autonomy, do not receive capital grants and are allowed to charge fees.
These can either be controlled or maintained schools which use Irish as the medium of instruction. Maintained schools are voluntary schools which are established by the trustees and run by a board of governors.
These are privately funded schools that use their own curriculum and admissions policy.
All children who have attained a school-going age are entitled to a free school place. These schools follow the Revised Curriculum and are frequently reviewed by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI).
These schools can either be controlled or voluntary and are specially organized to offer education to pupils with special needs.
Students can choose from 184 primary, secondary, or grammar schools in Belfast. As the admission process may be varied from organization to organization and complicated due to high numbers of applications, it is vital to plan ahead. Below is a list of some factors to put into consideration as you search and apply to schools in Belfast.
For an opportunity to study in one of the best education forward regions, enroll your child in one of the Belfast schools for an immersive education experience guaranteed to make them succeed.
Below is a comprehensive list of all the schools in Belfast. Edarabia strives to offer the latest updates, helping you find the best schools in Belfast with information on tuition fees, accreditation details, videos, photos, location map, community reviews, and ratings.
Edarabia showcases all private schools in Belfast through which parents can filter by tuition fees, curriculum, rankings & ratings. There are many public, private and charter schools near you that cater to both expat and local students.
Depending on the level of education; kindergartens (pre-schools), primary, secondary and high schools will all have varying tuition fees. Most K-12 schools offer different curriculums and extra-curricular activities to support the intellectual and physical wellbeing of students. Admissions for the top international schools in Belfast tend to have waiting lists so it is recommended that parents apply well in advance to secure a spot for their children. Additionally, each school has ratings based on parent reviews and are ranked below accordingly.
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