Dublin is recognised as a truly vibrant, young and international city which celebrates a rich heritage culturally, architecturally and historically. This includes placing a high worth on education and hence it is unsurprising that there are an abundance of private schools in and around Dublin. While international schools are somewhat thin on the ground, more and more they are expanding and being created as we speak, to sit alongside the more traditional renowned and striking Protestant and Catholic Schools both of whom 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.
- Education in Dublin
- Choosing a school in Dublin
- Special education needs in Dublin
- Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Dublin
- Best schools in Dublin
Education in Dublin
For the expat seeking a top-quality, well rounded private 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 four 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The primary tier is not hugely well represented in the private sector but there are dedicated primary schools, as well as schools with taught-through options from primary all the way to Leaving Certificate or equivalent.
Special education needs in Dublin
Most schools in Ireland will have a 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 as 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 program 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 program 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 programs 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.
Best schools in Dublin
Alexandra College 
Irish curriculum pre-school/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 3-19; girls; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 658 students
Founded by Quaker educationalist, Anne Jellicoe, in 1866 and now located in Milltown, Dublin. Always operated as a Church of Ireland school. Full-time and weekly boarding, open to international families. Claims to be the oldest field hockey club in Ireland and still turns out international players. School consistently ranked near the top, in terms of the numbers of graduates moving on to top-quality universities.
Click here to read our full review of Alexandra College
Headfort School
Irish primary curriculum; ages 4-13; boys and girls; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 127 students
A delightful independent, non-denominational day and boarding school in Co. Meath as close in ethos to a UK prep school as it can be.
Click here to read our full review of Headfort School
St Columba's College
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 12-19; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 350 students
A Church of Ireland school founded in 1843 and located in Whitechurch, County Dublin. Slightly more boys than girls with the majority of graduates moving on to Trinity College Dublin, probably the highest percentage of students doing this out of all Irish secondary schools.
Click here to read our full review of St Columba's College
These schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Belvedere College
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 13-18; boys; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,000 students
A Jesuit secondary school for boys only, in the heart of Dublin. Founded in the mid-19th century and James Joyce’s Alma Mater. Still run by the Jesuit order and known in particular for its sporting prowess. Drama and the arts well catered for and graduates leave for leading global universities, often in the US.
Blackrock College
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 5-18; boys; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,600 students
Located in Blackrock outside Dublin and once known as the French College, as its founder was a French missionary. Now run by a trust, consisting of priests from the Catholic Congregation of the Holy Ghost and a group of lay personnel. Separate buildings for junior and senior cycles, the latter more modern. Approximately 100 boarders. Strong sporting history and alumni include Bob Geldof.
Castle Park School
Adapted Irish Primary School Curriculum; ages 3-12; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 330 students
Founded in 1904 in Dalkey, a seaside suburb of Dublin, by the charmingly named Wilfred Toone. Their motto ‘Mens Sana in Corpore Sano’ is entirely appropriate, as they also run a Swimming Academy offering lessons to over 1,200 swimmers a week. Recent improvements have included the introduction of a Forest school and new adventure playgrounds.
Castleknock College
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 13-18; boys; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 740 students
A Vincentian secondary boys’ school, founded in 1833 and set on landscaped parkland close to Phoenix Park in Dublin. Primarily Catholic but open to all Christian faiths. One of the oldest boys’ schools in Ireland with a very strong sporting tradition, particularly Rugby, athletics and Gaelic games.
Gonzaga College
Irish curriculum/ Junior certificate/ Leaving certificate; ages 13-18; boys; day; independent; private non-profit; 550 students
One of five Jesuit schools in Ireland, founded in 1950 and located in Ranelagh, Dublin. Pupils must be Catholic and live south of the River Liffey. Academically rigorous, the vast majority of its leavers progress to university in Dublin, either University College or Trinity College. Apart from traditional sport the school consistently fields chess teams who are successful at prestigious tournaments.
International School of Dublin
PYP; ages 3-12; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 60 students
A tiny school, established in 2007 in central Dublin, the only school in Ireland authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Pupils come from over 20 different nationalities and there is year-round enrolment.
King's Hospital School (The)
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 12-19; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 730 students
A Church of Ireland school but open to other faiths and denominations. One of the oldest schools in Ireland, founded in 1669. Now located on a purpose-built campus on the banks of the River Liffey in Palmerstown, County Dublin. Traditional school sending over 50 per cent of its leavers to either Trinity College Dublin or University College Dublin.
Kylemore College
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 13-18 ; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 330 students
An interdenominational school, located in Dublin. Originally established as a vocational school in 1965 but now a co-ed, secondary college with leavers heading to university and currently on a steep uphill curve. Still offering vocational courses.
Loreto College St Stephen’s Green
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 13-18; girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 560 students
Part of the worldwide network of schools, run by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto). A strongly Catholic girls’ secondary school on St Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin. Nearly 50 per cent of leavers head to university in Dublin, either University College or fractionally more to Trinity College.
Lycée Francais d'Irlande
French curriculum/ Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Brevet/ BFI; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 510 students
Junior campus located in the outskirts of Dublin in Foxrock and senior school in the Eurocampus in Clonskeagh, since 2001, shared with St Kilian’s Deutsche School. Offering the highly regarded alternative BFI (ages 14-18), technically, a combination of the French International Baccalaureate and the Irish Leaving Certificate.
Mount Anville Secondary School
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 12-18; girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 675 students
Located in the Dublin suburb of Goatstown, originally a boarding school but now day only. A Catholic, secondary school attached to Mount Anville Montessori Junior School and Mount Anville Convent, which was established in 1853. Over 50 per cent of leavers move on to University College Dublin with approximately 20 per cent heading to Trinity College.
Nord Anglia International School Dublin
PYP candidate/ MYP candidate/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 480 students; Leopardstown
Opened in September 2018 with Lord (David) Puttnam as the chair of the advisory board. Owned and run by Nord Anglia Education, a rapidly expanding global education group. Offering three International Baccalaureate programmes but is only fully authorised to teach the IB Diploma and is still a ‘candidate school’ for the IBPYP and IMYP programmes.
Rathdown School
Irish curriculum pre-school/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 3-18; co-ed; day and boarding (girls only at present); independent: private non-profit; 450 students
Established in 1973, merging four esteemed and long-established Church of Ireland girls schools. The religious affiliation is retained but all denominations are welcome. A girls' school until 2023 when co-ed is being phased in. Boarding is for girls only until new boys' accommodation is established. Beautiful location. High quality of teaching.
St Andrew's College
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate/ IB Diploma; ages 5-18 ; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,300 students
A junior and senior Church of Ireland school, founded in 1894 and now located in Dún Laoghaire, outside Dublin. One of the few international schools in Ireland to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Teaching students from over 40 countries and accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). 60 per cent of graduates head to either University College Dublin or Trinity College Dublin with the remainder to leading universities in the UK and US.
SEK International School Dublin
MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 11-19; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
One of three SEK (an educational system developed 125 years ago) international schools outside Spain. Located near Bray in Co. Wicklow. A senior school teaching two programmes from the International Baccalaureate range.
Sutton Park School
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 345 students
One of the first multi-denominational schools in Ireland, founded in 1957. Located in a Georgian house in Sutton, close to the coast, north of Dublin. Divided into a junior (ages 4 ½ -9), intermediate (ages 9-12) and senior (ages 12-18) school.
Wesley College
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 11-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 930 students
Methodist school, founded in 1844, under the control of a board of governors appointed by the Methodist Church of Ireland. Located in the Dublin suburb of Ballinteer and now has a brand-new sports centre opened in 2019. Over 50 per cent of leavers go on to university in Dublin either University College and a slightly higher percentage to Trinity College.
The rest of Ireland
Clongowes Wood College (Co. Kildare)
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 13-18; boys; boarding; independent; private non-profit; 440 students
Founded over 200 years ago by the Jesuits (the current head is the first layman to hold the post) and located near Clane, Count Kildare. The original castle is connected to the school buildings, which were expanded and modernised in 2000. A traditional, secondary, boarding school with a long history, huge grounds and a strong presence in rugby union. Consistently achieving way above average results for Leaving Certificate.
Glenstal Abbey (Co. Limerick)
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 13-18; boys; boarding; independent; private non-profit; 250 students
A Catholic, secondary school, located in the grounds of Glenstal Abbey in Murroe, County Limerick. Run by Benedictine monks with a strong religious ethos. The average points gained at Leaving Certificate equate to nearly 140 UCAS (UK university entrance) points. Leavers head to universities in Ireland, UK and Europe and occasionally the USA.
Kilkenny College (Kilkenny)
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 12-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 880 students
An independent, Church of Ireland, secondary school in Kilkenny in south east Ireland. Mainly Protestant students but open to other denominations. Originally founded in 1538 but only on its current campus, on the outskirts of the city, since 1985. Roughly 50/50 boys and girls with just under 40 per cent of leavers heading to university in Dublin, with double the number usually heading to University College rather than Trinity College.
Midleton College (Co. Cork)
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 12-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 400 students
Although founded in 1696, by Elizabeth Villiers (later Countess of Orkney) in the handsome house in County Cork (still in use today), pupils did not arrive until 1717. With a charter from William III, there have only been 17 headmasters in 300 years. Alumni include Isaac Butt (founder of the Irish Home Rule Party). Co-ed since the 1970’s but soccer is a girls only game here.
Newtown School (Waterford)
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 12-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 400 students
A successful, multi-denominational school in Waterford City founded by the Quakers in 1798. Sends students to universities and institutions across Ireland with approximately 15 per cent heading to Trinity College Dublin and over 35 per cent to IT colleges. Also offers a Leaving Certificate vocational programme.
Villiers School (Limerick)
Irish curriculum/ Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate; ages 12-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 570 students
A Protestant, secondary school on the edge of Limerick, founded in 1821. There is a significant cohort of expat students, mainly from other European countries but also from China, Japan, Mexico and South Korea. Sends nearly a third of leavers to the University of Limerick and a smaller percentage to Dublin universities than most fee-paying Irish schools.
For more information on the schools above, please go to each school’s individual entry on The Good Schools Guide international section.