Academic Year Programmes
Overview
An academic term or year abroad provides students with an invaluable opportunity for personal development, enhancing cultural knowledge and awareness, and building confidence in using another language. Ireland has a long and prestigious tradition of providing first-class secondary education and boasts one of the highest levels of university enrolment in Europe.
We offer full support for students on this programme. The academic year programme is open to students between 12-18 years and is available at a wide variety of private and public schools.
Application Process
Decide the best school for you!
Academic Year/Term At Irish High School
Programme Highlights
- Large range of schools to choose from
- A large variety of locations
- Public and Private schools
- Single sex or co- educational
- Full support service available for students under 18 years
- 4 Months to a full academic year
- Fully trained Staff
- Homestay or Boarding available
AYP Excursions Include:
Wicklow, Glendalough, Wexford Town, Waterford, Kilkenny, Dublin
What’s Included…
- Full board accommodation in vetted host family or boarding school (Excluding Christmas and Easter Holidays)
- School tuition fees
- School books
- Full guardianship service (See Below)
- School uniform
- Airport transfer
- Monthly progress reports
- Attending school meetings on behalf of parents
- Christmas and Easter airport transfers
Full Guardianship Service
Please rest assured that Equinox Education Services provides full guardianship services for your son/daughter for the duration of their stay in Ireland. Our comprehensive service includes:
- IRP immigration assistance (For Non-EU Students)
- School arrangements
- Attend school meetings on behalf of parents
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Liaison between school and parents/agents
- Send school reports to agents/parents
- Available to assist the student
- Monthly progress reports
- 24-hour assistance if required
- Arrange airport transfers
AYP Process for EU & Schengen Area Citizens
1. Enquiry: via email or via phone
2. Select top three schools or preferred location
3. Complete application form and submit it together with supporting documentation:
a) Student Behaviour Agreement
b) Recent Transcripts/Reports
c) Profile Photo
d) Student Photo ID
e) If Direct Booking (not via a home agency), Parent Photo ID is required
4. Pay a non-refundable booking fee. This is often lumped in with the deposit. (Direct Bookings Only)
5. Receive Invoice for booking fee
6. Application sent to schools in order of preference
7. Application Accepted
8. Pay the deposit and receive an invoice for the deposit
9. Complete any missing documentation and provide:
a) Arrival flight details
b) Uniform Measurements
c) Letter to host family
d) Photographs
10. Final Instalment of payment due. Full payment is due four weeks before arrival
11. Host family assigned
Junior Cycle (approx. ages 12–14)
In the first three years of secondary school, students prepare for the Junior Certificate. They study between seven and ten subjects. Maths, English, History, Geography, and CSPE (Civic, Social and Political Education) are compulsory. Students also study a modern language, as well as subjects such as Business Studies, Art, and Science. However, a wide variety of other subjects is available, and these vary from school to school.
Students may take examinations at either higher or ordinary level. The Junior Certificate is sat at the end of the third year, but it is not mandatory. Results are issued in September.
Transition Year (approx. ages 15–16)
This year is intended to promote the personal development of the student. In most schools, students study a wide variety of subjects and also complete at least two weeks of work experience. Schools usually organise at least one residential trip during this year, often to an adventure centre where students participate in activities such as canoeing, abseiling, and horse riding. Where such a trip is organised, students are expected to take part. The cost typically ranges from €150 to €400. There may also be several other day trips.
Most schools charge an additional fee for Transition Year (TY), which varies depending on the individual school. TY is very popular with international students who spend a year in Ireland.
Senior Cycle (approx. ages 16–18)
The final two years of secondary school are spent preparing for a state examination called the Leaving Certificate.
Students study Maths and English, along with four to five additional subjects, and may choose to take each subject at either higher or ordinary level.
Subjects available during the Senior Cycle include: Maths, Applied Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, German, French, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, Italian, Classical Studies, Economics, Business Organisation, Accounting, Home Economics, Art, Building Construction, Technical Drawing, Music, Agricultural Studies, and Engineering. Physics & Chemistry may also be offered as a combined subject in some schools.
Types of schools
(1) Voluntary secondary school – Public School
The most common type of secondary school is called a voluntary secondary school. Community and comprehensive schools are wholly state-run. They tend to offer a wider variety of practical subject choices. They are usually also co-educational. There are also Vocational schools. They are very similar to the community schools. Students attending these types of schools live with a local family.
(2) Private secondary schools
Private secondary schools are fee-paying. All non-EU students must go to private schools.
(3) Boarding schools
Boarding schools are mainly private with some exceptions. They offer 5 day or 7 day boarding.
(4) Semi-private secondary
Semi-private secondary schools were once private but are not public. They charge extra fees but offer extra facilities.
Download our brochure for the academic year programme here
Our Award Winning Approach
At Equinox, our award-winning approach is built on delivering high-quality, personalised learning experiences in a safe and supportive environment. We combine innovative teaching, cultural immersion, and genuine care for student welfare to ensure every learner thrives academically and personally. With small class sizes, tailor-made programmes, and a strong focus on real communication over memorisation, our experienced team goes beyond the classroom, creating meaningful international experiences that inspire confidence, independence, and global awareness.
Meet The Team
At Equinox Education Services Ltd, our dedicated team brings together decades of experience in international education, student welfare, and programme management. From school placements and host family coordination to guardianship and academic support, every member of Team Equinox is committed to delivering safe, personalised, and high-quality experiences for our students and trusted global partners. Friendly, responsive, and always professional, we are proud to represent you and your students in Ireland.
”Our school has always wanted to study in beautiful Ireland. I contacted Equinox and shared some information about our school and our plans. Equinox arranged an excellent programme for us in association with a local Irish school. We spent a wonderful two weeks at Athy College and stayed with local host families. It was an amazing experience, and we loved Ireland and the Irish people. Thank you, Equinox! We very much look forward to returning next year.”
“It is a pleasure to recognise Equinox Education Services Ireland as an organisation of excellent repute. In our dealings with Equinox Education Services over many years, we have always found them to be extremely professional, providing consistently high-quality service and support to their students. We look forward to a long, friendly, and mutually beneficial relationship with them and wish them every success in the future.”
“We at Midleton College have been working with Noel Doyle and Equinox Education Services for a number of years. It has been an extremely successful partnership. It is a pleasure to work with Noel and his staff, who are incredibly supportive and always on hand to help ensure their students have a wonderful educational experience.”
”St Brigid’s College has worked with Mr Noel Doyle of Equinox Education Services for more than five years. We have hosted many students from Europe and Japan for varying periods, up to and including one year. Our experience has been of an exceptionally professional and efficient service. Mr Doyle is highly organised, extremely flexible, and attentive to the needs of students, their host families, and the school community. Communication from him and his team is excellent — nothing is ever a problem. They provide a marvellous service to their clients, and I am very pleased, on behalf of St. Brigid’s College, Callan, to recommend the company.”
“Kilkenny College has enjoyed a long and fruitful association with Equinox Education Services Limited. We have found them to be an excellent company to work with. They are exceptionally well organised and highly competent in their work. Mr Doyle leads and manages the company in a most professional manner, and I am very pleased to recommend Equinox Education Services to new clients and customers.”
“Rockwell College has partnered with Equinox for a number of years. We have found Noel and his staff to be highly professional, fully supportive of the pupils in their care, and very responsive to any issues that may arise. We have regularly accommodated boys and girls through Equinox, and we look forward to continuing the partnership into the future.”
''Equinox provided an unforgettable experience. The cultural immersion and language improvement were beyond my expectations.''
Maria, Spain
“Our partnership with Equinox has been exceptional. Their professionalism and dedication to student success are unmatched.”
Global Education Partner
“I write this review as the Director of Speak and Go Idiomas, and I fully recommend their services. We have been working with them for several years.
Equinox is an outstanding partner when it comes to organising language immersion programmes in Ireland. Their team is extremely professional, attentive, and truly cares about each student’s well-being.
The host families are carefully selected, the schools are well-coordinated, and the communication is always clear and timely. Our students consistently return with positive experiences, improved language skills, and greater cultural awareness.''
Director of Speak and Go Idiomas
“I felt at home in Ireland thanks to Equinox. The host family and educational support made my stay enriching and enjoyable.”
Tom, Germany
“Equinox Education Services is a very professional, reliable, and trustworthy company. As a consultant for European-funded programmes, I have been working with them for several years, sending students to participate in various educational programmes.
Working with Equinox feels like working with a family-run organisation—there is great attention to detail, and the entire team is incredibly helpful and highly professional. The host families are always kind and welcoming, creating a safe and comfortable environment for our students.
As the manager of my own organisation, I truly appreciate the full support I receive from Equinox, even when unexpected issues arise. We all know that working with young students can present challenges, especially as they adapt to a new environment, different food, and a new culture. Nonetheless, Equinox has always provided the best possible support in every situation.
I strongly recommend Equinox Education Services and look forward to continuing our collaboration on many more projects and programmes in the years to come.
A heartfelt thank you to the entire Equinox team for making it all possible.''
Emanuela Marianecci