Your First Week in an Irish Secondary School: Timetables, Uniforms, Lockers

Updated: Sep 10

Starting your high school abroad programme in Ireland

Beginning your journey on one of the many high school abroad programs in Ireland is exciting – but your first week can feel overwhelming. Between new timetables, uniforms, lockers and meeting classmates, it’s a lot to take in. This guide will walk you through what to expect, how to settle in quickly, and where to turn if you need support.

What is the school day like in Ireland?

Most Irish secondary schools begin around 8:45–9:00am and finish between 3:30–4:00pm. Classes are usually 40 minutes to 1 hour long, with breaks mid-morning and for lunch.

You can view a detailed example timetable on the HSI Irish School System page.

👉 Tip: Keep a photo of your timetable on your phone – it’s a lifesaver when you’re switching classrooms frequently.

Arrival admin: your first morning

On your first day, expect to meet the school secretary or year head who will give you your timetable, locker key, and sometimes a starter pack with maps or school rules. You’ll also be assigned to a tutor group (similar to homeroom), where roll call is taken.

This is the perfect time to introduce yourself and ask about anything that feels unclear. Irish schools are known for being welcoming, and teachers are used to helping international students settle in.

For a full overview of the system, see Citizens Information.

Timetables: structure and surprises

Irish timetables can feel busy compared to other countries. You might have:

✅ 8–10 subjects rotating each week

✅ Specialist classes such as Transition Year modules, depending on your grade

✅ For Junior Cycle students, wellbeing is built into the curriculum through the national Wellbeing Framework, covering areas like PE, SPHE and CSPE

✅ For Senior Cycle students, wellbeing is supported through guidance counselling, PE, and school-based activities, though not part of a formal national framework

Most schools also have:

✅ A short morning break (10–15 minutes) around 11:00am

✅ A longer lunch break (30–40 minutes) between 12:30–1:30pm, depending on the timetable

Don’t worry if it seems confusing at first – within a week or two, you’ll naturally remember your schedule.

Uniform do’s and don’ts

Most Irish secondary schools require a uniform. This usually includes:

A jumper or blazer with the school crest
Shirt or polo
Trousers or skirt
Black shoes

Each school sets its own rules – some stricter than others. To avoid stress, HSI provides most school-branded uniform items for our students at no extra cost:

✅ Bring at least two shirts so you’re not always washing

✅ Arrive in Ireland with comfortable, smart black shoes

❌ Avoid wearing hoodies or trainers unless explicitly allowed

If you're unsure about what uniform to bring and what is acceptable at your school, then you can speak to your local education consultancy partner, or contact our team directly.

Lockers and books

Lockers are standard in Irish schools, often side-by-side in busy corridors. You’ll need them because Irish schools still rely heavily on textbooks and copybooks (notebooks).

The good news?

✅ Textbooks are included in HSI programmes – so there’s no extra cost for families.

👉 Tip: Divide your books by day and keep only what you need in your schoolbag.

Some schools are introducing tablets and e-books, but printed books remain the norm. You can read more about subject content on the NCCA Senior Cycle page.

Who to ask for help

It’s completely normal to feel unsure during your first week. Here’s who you can turn to:

✅ Year Head – oversees your year group and is the go-to for bigger concerns

✅ Tutor / Class Teacher – handles daily attendance and minor issues

✅ Monthly HSI Student Advisor – part of your programme and always available

✅ Friends – Irish classmates are generally approachable and happy to help

You can also explore the HSI Student Info Page for further details.

Quick checklist: First-week to-dos

Save a copy of your timetable to your phone
Label your books and copybooks
Ask about PE kit requirements
Find your locker and organise your books by day
Introduce yourself to your Year Head and Tutor
Keep your uniform clean and ready

Final thoughts

Your first week in an Irish secondary school is all about adjusting to a new rhythm. From mastering your timetable to learning uniform rules, you’ll soon feel part of the routine. Remember, you’re not alone – teachers, advisors, and classmates are ready to help.

Studying abroad is about more than academics – it’s about building confidence, independence, and friendships that last a lifetime.

👉 Have a question about Irish schools? Contact us today.