In the past decade there has been a significant growth in the number of alternative schooling models, mainly at preschool and primary school level, in Ireland. In September 2025, another alternative schooling model – outdoor primary schools – was opened in Ireland. [ Have you heard about ‘democratic schools’?Opens in new window ]Fee-paying school The Outdoor Primary School (TOPS), in Greystones, Co Wicklow, which had a modest first intake of 14 pupils, shares the grounds with the SEC International School on the edge of the coastal town. She believes they make the transition from primary school to secondary school more easily because they are used to being on the move a lot during the day. “It’s important for children to spend time outdoors, and mainstream education is trying to implement more outdoor learning,” he says.

Source: The Irish Times January 06, 2026 07:33 UTC