The vast majority of students make the transition from primary to post-primary education. Students are required to complete three years of post-primary education. Most often, students complete this junior cycle (lower secondary education) between the ages of 12 and 15. They then proceed to senior cycle (upper secondary education) where they choose from a range of programmes over a two or three year cycle. Senior cycle (upper secondary education) generally covers the ages 15 to 18 years.