Top 10 Best Boarding Schools in Ireland
Ireland has a long history of highly regarded boarding schools that have impacted the academic scene. These schools are recognized for always offering students ... read more...a supportive environment. Come along as we delve into discovering the top 10 boarding schools in Ireland—well-known places for their outstanding quality.
-
Dundalk Grammar School is an independent boarding school in Dundalk, County Louth. It's a school where both boys and girls can study from the early years until they finish high school. The school includes both primary and secondary departments, with an 8-year program in the Junior school and a 6-year program in the secondary school.
This school believes in giving students a complete education. They want to help students grow not only in studies but also in sports, social activities, and their spiritual understanding. The school follows Christian principles to build a solid moral code in students. Dundalk Grammar School focuses on developing students in academics, sports, social skills, and spirituality.
A unique thing about Dundalk Grammar School is its boarding program. Students from Ireland and other countries live at the school, allowing them to learn about different cultures and make long-lasting friendships. The school staff who live with the students work hard to ensure everyone feels safe and happy. Some students choose to board because of the distance from home or to avoid distractions. The boarding program provides a supportive and focused study environment, helping students who aim for academic success.
In summary, Dundalk Grammar School is a place that strongly believes in providing a complete education for its students. The boarding program is one way they commit to this, giving students a unique chance to experience different cultures and build strong friendships while supporting their academic journey.Detailed information:
- Address: The Crescent, Townparks, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland
- Founded: 1739
- Phone: +353 42 933 4459
- Mail: info@dgs.ie
- Ages: 12-18 years old
- Tuition fees: €8,640 per year
- Website: https://dgs.ie/
-
Rockwell College, set by a beautiful lake, is a top boarding school in Ireland. It started in 1864 and is the only Catholic boarding school for high school students nationwide. The school is part of the Spiritan Education Trust, a group of ten schools with a similar belief system.
At Rockwell College, kids aged 12 to 19, whether they live at school or go home every day, learn in a welcoming and global environment. Students come from over 20 countries, making it a diverse and friendly place. Boys and girls study together, helping them get ready for a world that values diversity. The inclusive atmosphere promotes teamwork, respect, and understanding, improving social skills and self-esteem.
In the Spiritan tradition, Rockwell College focuses on developing students academically and spiritually, socially, culturally, and in sports. The school encourages students to excel in and out of the classroom. While exam results matter, Rockwell also cares about the well-being of students. The school provides a safe and accessible environment, and the staff organizes activities beyond regular classes.
The school emphasizes Christian values through celebrations, charity events, and student involvement with local schools for those with disabilities. The Boarding School Residence is home to 120 boys, creating a family away from home for Irish and international students. Boarding girls live with vetted host families, making their experience unique and introducing them to people worldwide.
Rockwell College prioritizes student care. Each year, a senior staff member oversees student well-being. The school also has a Career Guidance Counsellor, nurses, and a Chaplaincy team offering guidance and pastoral care. The collective effort of these caring staff members ensures that every student is personally looked after and becomes an essential part of the Rockwell community.
Rockwell College is an excellent choice for students seeking a top-notch education, a diverse environment, and a unique boarding experience. With its commitment to high educational standards, personal and faith development, and a global perspective, Rockwell College stands out as one of Ireland's leading boarding schools.Detailed information:
- Address: Rockwell, Newinn, Co. Tipperary, E25 ED60, Ireland
- Founded: 1864
- Phone: +353 62 61444
- Mail: info@rockwellcollege.ie
- Ages: 12-19 years old
- Tuition fees: €20,000 - €23,000 per year
- Website: https://www.rockwellcollege.ie/
-
Sligo Grammar School, often called SGS, is a boarding school in the center of Sligo, Ireland, where both boys and girls can attend during the day or stay overnight. It has a long history, starting in 1852, and is well-known for offering excellent education to students from the local community and farther away. It provides a broad range of academic courses, small class sizes, and a focus on individual attention.
At SGS, academic excellence is a top priority. The school offers a broad range of subjects in both Junior and Senior Cycles, including traditional academic subjects and vocational courses. With a focus on small class sizes and individual attention, SGS is committed to helping students achieve their full potential. The school has a strong record of academic success, with students regularly achieving top marks in state exams.
In addition to its academic program, SGS offers various extra-curricular activities to cater to students' interests and passions. There is something for everyone, from music and drama to sports and public speaking. These activities allow students to develop skills, explore interests, and form lasting friendships.
For students who live further afield, SGS offers a comprehensive boarding program. Boarding students benefit from the same academic and extra-curricular opportunities as day students while enjoying a safe and supportive living environment. With separate accommodations for boys and girls, SGS is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive community for all.
At SGS, pastoral care is a key focus. The school has a dedicated pastoral care team works closely with students to support their well-being and personal development. With a focus on kindness, respect, and inclusivity, SGS aims to create a supportive and caring environment where every student can thrive.
Sligo Grammar School is an exceptional educational institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence, extra-curricular activities, boarding, and pastoral care. With a commitment to helping students achieve their full potential and a welcoming and inclusive community, SGS is an excellent choice for students seeking a top-quality education in the heart of Sligo.Detailed information:
- Address: The Mall, Rathquarter, Sligo, Ireland
- Founded: 1852
- Phone: +353 71 914 3531
- Mail: admin@sligogrammarschool.org
- Ages: 12-18 years old
- Tuition fees: €9,700 per year
- Website: http://www.sligogrammarschool.org/
-
Bandon Grammar is a co-educational boarding and day school that welcomes students from different cultures and religions. Many students from Spain, Germany, Vietnam, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Australia come here, making it a diverse and exciting school.
At Bandon Grammar, students are encouraged to discover who they are and what they're good at while learning many different subjects. The classes are small, and the school has excellent facilities, making it easier for students to do well. The teachers at Bandon Grammar are dedicated and care about each student, creating a supportive environment where students can succeed and be happy while participating in various activities.
Bandon Grammar offers options for staying overnight for seven or five days. Both boys and girls who remain overnight become part of a close-knit school family. Whether they live at the school or go home daily, students join together for classes, meals, sports, and activities. Boarders live in comfortable dormitories, have access to modern facilities for living and learning, enjoy multicultural meals, and receive full-time care from caring houseparents.
This school has one of Ireland's most extensive activities and sports programs. There are various sports like rugby, hockey, basketball, and more, as well as clubs for debating, drama, music, art, and many others. Bandon Grammar also organizes trips for skiing, music, art, language exchanges, and sports tournaments.
In summary, Bandon Grammar is an outstanding school that provides an excellent education and helps students grow in a diverse and welcoming community. Bandon Grammar is the perfect choice if you're looking for a school that supports you and challenges you to learn and grow.Detailed information:
- Address: Clancool Beg, Bandon, Co. Cork, Ireland
- Founded: 1642
- Phone: +353 23 884 1713
- Mail: office@bgsmail.ie
- Ages: 12-19 years old
- Tuition fees: €9,746 - €13,762 per year
- Website: https://www.bandongrammar.ie/
-
Midleton College is a famous boarding school in Ireland. The school believes in different faiths and backgrounds and encourages students to do their best in everything they learn. The teachers are well-qualified and have special training.
Students at Midleton College can study many different subjects. In the first few years, classes have students with different abilities learning together, while in the later years, categories are sorted based on abilities. The school offers 18 subjects in the early years and 20 issues for the last years. There's also a particular year where students get to try out different courses, go to work, and even stay at an Outdoor Pursuits center.
Midleton College cares about all its students, including those who need extra help in their studies. They don't have tricky entrance exams and want each student to feel confident and ready to contribute to the world. Most students continue their education after finishing at Midleton College.
Apart from regular classes, Midleton College has many fun activities for students. They even have a boarding program where students can stay overnight. The boarding facilities are comfy and welcoming, with modern bedrooms and spaces for relaxing and studying. The school has a team to look after the overnight students, including a counselor, nurses, and other helpful staff. Boarding students can participate in various activities, from school sports to exploring the local area and joining cultural trips. It's a place where learning is exciting and enjoyable for everyone.Detailed information:
- Address: Connolly St, School-Land, Midleton, Co. Cork, Ireland
- Founded: 1717
- Phone: +353 21 463 1146
- Mail: admissions@midletoncollege.ie
- Ages: 12-18 years old
- Tuition fees: €12,900 - €13,900 per year
- Website: https://www.midletoncollege.ie/
-
Villiers School is a boarding school in Ireland where students from different countries come to study. The school offers a program called the IB Diploma, giving students a choice between local and international learning methods and providing a global view of education.
At Villiers School, you'll find a diverse and friendly community of students who live together in the boarding houses. Whether from Ireland or other countries, boarders share school life, work, and social activities. Villiers School is the only Irish school allowed to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), allowing students to choose between local and global study plans.
Living at Villiers School helps students become more independent while learning to live and get along with others. The school wants its boarders to grow into confident young adults who can easily connect with people from different cultures. Borders prepare for a connected global world by respecting and celebrating cultural differences.
Living and growing together in a supportive community, boarders learn to be considerate and open-minded, handling challenges that come with life and learning. Villiers School values and celebrates the rich cultural diversity in the boarding houses, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a diverse and supportive boarding experience in Ireland.
Villiers School is part of the Boarding Schools' Association (BSA), showing its commitment to giving students the best boarding experience. With a focus on understanding different cultures, personal growth, and doing well in studies, Villiers School is an excellent option for anyone seeking a top-notch international boarding school experience in Ireland.Detailed information:
- Address: N Circular Rd, Kilrush, Limerick, Ireland
- Founded: 1821
- Phone: +353 61 451 447
- Mail: info@villiers-school.com
- Ages: 12-19 years old
- Tuition fees: €14,900 - €27,000 per year
- Website: https://www.villiers-school.com/
-
Alexandra College is a boarding school for girls in Milltown, Dublin, Ireland. The school follows the Church of Ireland's beliefs. Girls at Alexandra College are educated from ages 3 to 19, covering all those critical years of growth without any interruptions.
The Alexandra College classes and activities are designed to allow girls to enjoy challenges without feeling pressured or anxious. The school goes beyond just what's in exams and encourages girls to think about their learning, be independent, and question things. Because the student group is diverse, there's a wide range of subjects to study for the State examinations.
Girls at Alexandra College can choose from about 27 subjects, including language, sciences, maths, business, and creative and social subjects. The results are fantastic – students have gotten A or B grades in two-thirds of all exams for the past five years. In the Leaving Certificate, a big exam, more than 80% of the girls take the more complex level and get almost 50% more points than the national average.
The school funds the junior school at Alexandra College and doesn't get money from the Department of Education and Skills. This part of the school follows Froebelian principles, covers the national curriculum, and offers specialized subjects like art, French, music lessons, speech and drama, and many sports as part of a solid extra and co-curricular program. They cater to students of all abilities in the junior school.Detailed information:
- Address: Milltown Rd, Rathmines, Milltown, Co. Dublin, Ireland
- Founded: 1866
- Phone: +353 1 497 7571
- Mail: info@alexandracollege.ie
- Ages: 3-19 years old
- Tuition fees: €20,141 - €24,409 per year
- Website: https://www.alexandracollege.eu/
-
Blackrock College is a well-respected boarding school that's been providing a complete education for over 100 years. It's not just about doing well in studies but also about growing as a person, understanding yourself, and forming strong connections with others.
At Blackrock College, everyone is encouraged to be the best they can be, inspired by the school's long tradition of excellence. The school values qualities like curiosity, humility, honesty, morality, and caring for others, making sure these are part of every student's character. The goal is to prepare students who are good at many things and can make a positive impact in areas like spirituality, academics, culture, taking care of others, and sports.
Boarding has been a significant part of Blackrock College for more than a hundred years. The boarding area, located in a historic building called the Castle, gives students a warm and personal experience in a lively and thriving community. Students from all over the world add diversity to the school, bringing different perspectives and experiences.
Boarders at Blackrock College get a full experience that builds a strong connection with the school community. The boarding department provides a safe place for boys aged 12-19 to grow into their best selves. It supports each student in chasing their dreams by nurturing their unique talents and interests. The surrounding area offers many fun options, but the structured daily routine helps students succeed and aim for excellence.
Blackrock College's varied curriculum engages and inspires students, adding excitement to their daily routine. The school provides lots of chances for students to explore what they like, whether it's sports, music, theater, public speaking, or helping the community.
To sum it up, a Blackrock College education is more than just learning facts. It's about growing personally, forming connections, and keeping up a tradition of doing well. With its diverse community, commitment to developing individual talents, and a well-rounded approach, Blackrock College is the ideal place for students to do well and reach their full potential.Detailed information:
- Address: Rock Road Blackrock Co. Dublin A94 FK84 Ireland
- Founded: 1923
- Phone: +353 1 288 8681
- Mail: info@blackrockcollege.com
- Ages: 12-18 years old
- Tuition fees: €22,141 - €25,409 per year
- Website: https://www.blackrockcollege.com/
-
Wilson's Hospital School is a special place in Multyfarnham, County Westmeath, Ireland. It's a boarding school where boys and girls can learn together in a beautiful old building. Established in 1761, it's one of the most senior schools in Westmeath. Although it used to be a private school, it became part of the voluntary aided sector in 2011. It doesn't charge for regular classes but still has fees for staying at the school and participating in extra activities.
This school cares about knowledge, being inclusive, and having a mix of different people. It follows the Church of Ireland's beliefs, emphasizing Christian values, treating everyone with respect, and creating a caring and friendly environment for learning. The school is open for both day students and those who stay overnight, and it wants to meet the needs of all its students.
Wilson's Hospital School believes in including everyone and having a diverse community. The school's primary goal is to help students become more aware of themselves, confident, and generous. It creates a place where kindness and understanding are essential, where everyone is welcome, and where being honest and trustworthy to oneself is highly valued.
Around 400 students go to Wilson's Hospital School, and while many stay overnight, some come just for the day. The school usually had boarding available all week, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it changed to five days. Before, there used to be a seven-day option, giving boarders the choice to go home on weekends or enjoy the activities at the school.
In a nutshell, Wilson's Hospital School is where students can fall in love with learning, explore what they're interested in, and pick up essential life skills. The school is all about welcoming everyone, regardless of where they come from or their beliefs. It's a supportive and friendly place for students to grow and learn.Detailed information:
- Address: Heathland, Co. Westmeath, N91 AX97, Ireland
- Founded: 1761
- Phone: +353 44 937 1115
- Mail: reception@whs.ie
- Ages: 12-18 years old
- Tuition fees: €10,500 - €18,900 per year
- Website: http://www.wilsonshospitalschool.ie/
-
Kilkenny College is a school in Kilkenny, South-East Ireland, where boys and girls can learn during the day or stay overnight. It's the most prominent boarding school in Ireland and welcomes students of different Christian backgrounds, mainly Protestant.
At Kilkenny College, the main goal is to help students do their best in everything they try. The school wants to ensure students feel confident and have a sense of purpose. They aim to prepare students to be responsible citizens who care about others and the environment. Respect is highly valued at Kilkenny College, and everyone in the school community is expected to treat themselves and others respectfully.
Kilkenny College provides a six-year program where students are at the center of all school activities. The school's primary purpose is to guide students through a well-organized curriculum covering many subjects. They ensure that all students, regardless of gender or abilities, have the chance to learn and participate in school life.
Boarding is an integral part of Kilkenny College, providing an enriching educational experience and support for students during their teenage years. Extra activities are available to all students every school day, whether they stay overnight or come for the day.
Kilkenny College aims to help students grow and discover their talents and character. They want each student to understand themselves and be ready to take an active role in their community and beyond after completing their education.Detailed information:
- Address: Castlecomer Rd, Seixeslough, Kilkenny, R95 CF61, Ireland
- Founded: 1538
- Phone: +353 56 776 1544
- Mail: info@kilkennycollege.ie
- Ages: 12-18 years old
- Tuition fees: €11,853 per year
- Website: https://www.kilkennycollege.ie/