Best schools in Dublin
Education in Dublin
While truly international schools are somewhat thin on the ground, they are beginning to expand and sit alongside the more traditional, renowned and striking Protestant and Catholic schools, both of which embrace and nurture all faiths and none. Both private, state and boarding grammar schools have long had international sections catering for European children as well as for children from more far flung areas of the globe. The increasing demand for places is a legacy of the care these charges receive.
For those seeking a top-quality, well-rounded private (but not specifically international) education for their child, Dublin has an embarrassment of riches. Outside the capital, options continue, albeit more sparsely spread. But with a mission to train more young minds to be international leaders in their field, the now-resurgent Ireland is proud to boast, whether state or private, that its education system is internationally lauded as one of the best in the west.
Any parents shaky in their belief in the hereafter should not be put off by the religious ethos of most schools. Historically the Catholic, Anglican and Protestant churches had significant control and authority over education in Ireland and while Ireland’s reluctance to completely shelve its religious heritage has meant that secular alternatives are not as abundant, most schools worth their salt do not put a heavy pedal on religious affiliation for consideration for entry. So while denominational schools on the whole welcome children who adhere to other faiths, or no faith at all, the schools religion remains relevant though not central.
Note that the amount of extracurricular on offer can vary. But you should expect a variety of sports, from the usual hockey, football and rugby to their Gaelic counterparts; Ireland’s rich cultural heritage in the arts and music begets a plethora of artistic options in most schools.
Choosing a school in Dublin
There are currently just a handful of international schools. Given the large international population of Dublin, this is somewhat surprising, although perhaps less so given how internationally vaunted the Irish education system is.
Private schools
When it comes to private schools, most offer both day and boarding options, so where you choose to live need not affect your choices for your child to have a quality education in or near the capital.
The primary tier is not hugely well represented in the private sector. There are some dedicated primary schools, but you may want to look at some of the all-through schools leading up to the Leaving Certificate or equivalent.
Should you wish to send your child to a boarding school outside Dublin, or are considering living in other parts of Ireland, there are also some excellent options in the private sector outside of the capital.
Faith schools
Protestant schools vary in their areas of excellence, but they usually excel both academically and in the sporting arena. Meanwhile, the major Catholic-run schools tend towards the single sex and, in the case of the boys’ schools, the only thing more rigorous than the academic programme is the approach to rugby. All these schools focus on producing well-rounded, confident young people and they all teach the Irish curriculum up to Leaving Certificate.
State schools
There is an array of non-fee-paying options for those moving to Dublin, generally day schools. Of these, Coláiste Íosagáin, a state girls’ school in Stillorgan, to the south of the city centre, comes firmly top of the tree while, for the boys, Catholic University School in Lower Leeson Street, near St Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin, is the one to beat.
Special education needs in Dublin
Most schools in Ireland will have an SEN department or good provision as this is part of the individual learning championed in the junior and Leaving Certificate curriculum.
Private schools tend not to advertise their provision but many have excellent support for mild to moderate learning needs from dyspraxia to mild autism. Often boarding routines can help settle a child into learning and socialising well very quickly indeed. Local parents will often opt for private provision precisely because of the individual attention offered by experts in this area within the independent sector.
Some schools have a quiet reputation of academic and personal success precisely because of their ability to cope with different and varied personal and intercultural needs and personalities both within and outside the classroom. It is also useful to note that many have also become adept at integrating celebrating and understanding different cultures.
Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Dublin
A number of Dublin private schools listed below provide educational programmes for pre-school children aged 3 and 4 years of age. Alexandra College is one such school providing a two-year programme for girls and Rathdown school in Glenageary South Dublin operates a co-ed pre-school within the Aistear framework. On the international front Nord Anglia offers the IB primary years programme for pre-school children from 3 years of age.
In addition, there are multiple well-regarded Montessori nursery schools scattered across the capital, many conveniently centrally located for those working in the city centre. These offer infant nursery and toddler services as well as pre-school programmes and more advanced Montessori teaching. Under the ECCE scheme (Early Childhood Care and Education) children in Ireland are entitled to two full years of free pre-schooling from 3 years of age prior to starting primary schools.
