Education Records are an invaluable research tool for Irish Family Researchers, and often complete a family tree or indeed provide additional information from which to pursue your Research further. Many 19th and early 20th Century School, College & University Records are available to help you with your search. Depending on the area, some earlier 18th Century Records are still in existence. This Article aims to provide you with a better understanding of Primary Education in Ireland in the 18th to early 20th Century.

TYPES OF SCHOOLS

Primary Education - 18th Century

The earliest Schools in Ireland were those established by Royal Charter in 1733 more commonly known as "Charter Schools". The provision of Catholic Education and the ability for Catholic Teachers to Teach during Penal Times was forbidden. Thus, whilst no formal Catholic Schools exist, education was often provided through illegal "Hedge Schools".

In addition to Charter & Hedge Schools, Prominent Estate owners would often build a School on their land for the Education of children living on their Estate and/or in the local area. These Schools were often open to children of all denominations.

In 1782 Catholics were granted permission to Teach and it is from this date that the establishment of proper Catholic education began.

Primary Education - 19th Century

The Stanley Education Act of 1831 is the Corner Stone of Primary Education in Ireland. The Act entitled all Children, irrespective of religious denomination, to receive a free education.

Despite the provision of Free Education, and the Establishment of National Schools in every Parish in Ireland, School Attendance was poorly attended during most of the 19th Century - with the number of children attending usually in the region of 20 and 30 per class, and often fewer, especially during the Harvest Months.

It was only in 1893 when Primary Education was made Compulsory that parents were legally obliged to send their children to School, and School Inspectors were empowered to take offending parents to Court for their Childrens' poor-attendance. Interestingly, the Local Press reported such cases of non-attendance in minute detail.

Christian Brothers Schools

The first Christian Brothers School was established in 1824 and the 19th Century saw many of these Schools being opened throughout Ireland. These Schools were a popular alternative to the National Schools for Catholic families, especially since the 1831 Education Act provided for all Lessons to be taught in English (as opposed to Gaelic)., and for English History Lessons to be taught, as opposed to Irish History.

INFORMATION AVAILABLE FROM PRIMARY SCHOOL RECORDS

Early Registers will only provide basic information on each pupil - usually a name, address and age.

National School Registers and those Registers of 19th Century Private Schools will often provide the following information: