Post primary schools

Post-primary school education is compulsory for a child aged 11 until sixteen years old, (Years 8-12). Post primary schools include secondary, grammar, integrated and Irish medium schools.

In April 2009, the Department of Education for Northern Ireland (DENI) abolished the Transfer tests for all school children in primary seven, (Year 7). For a post primary school place in September 2010, a child's parent or carer needs to complete a Transfer form and list three preferred schools.

The Transfer form is an application form for admission to all Belfast schools and is available from Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB).

Post primary pupils progress through junior years (Years 8-10) and discover an interest and aptitude for sciences, languages, technology, art and sport. At the end of Year 9, pupils choose the subjects they want to study at GCSE level.

The school career advisor helps pupils choose appropriate subjects which will lead to further study, third level education or vocational training.

At the end of Year 12 (fifth year), most children take GCSE examinations during May and June. GCSE results are published in August.

Some students return to study subjects at Advanced Level (A-Level) in the same school or at a college. Some secondary schools also offer A-Levels for sixth form students (Years 10-12).