Quiz: Your Rights in Secondary School
Take our quiz to test your knowledge on your rights while in secondary school in Ireland
This factsheet is an extract from the publication Know Your Rights: The Rights of Children and Young People published by the Children’s Rights Alliance. It is reproduced here with their kind permission. Know Your Rights is a public information project designed to inform everyone, in plain language, of the rights and entitlements children have in Ireland and where to go when they are not respected.
By law do I have to go to school in Ireland?
By law in Ireland you have to attend school until you are 16 years old or have finished three years of secondary school. An exception to this is if you are home schooled. Read our article to find out more.
What happens if I miss more than 20 days of school a year?
If you miss more than 20 days of school a year by law your school must report that to Tusla's Educational Welfare Services. Read our article to find out what happens next if you are reported.
What subjects do I have to study in secondary school in Ireland?
By law you must study English, Maths and Irish in school unless you have an exemption from Irish. Read our article to learn more.
Do I have to study religion at school?
It is mandatory to study religion in schools in Ireland, unless your parents give you an exemption from it. Read our article to find out more.
When can a teacher search your belongings in school?
A teacher can only search your belongings if they believe you have illegal substances and both you and your guardian have given them permission to do so. Read our article to find out more.
Do I have the right to see my school records?
You can only request to view your school records once you have turned 18. Read our article to find out more.
On what grounds can you be refused admittance to secondary school?
A school cannot refuse you admittance on any of the nine grounds of discrimination in Ireland. Read our article to find out more.