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Best boarding schools in Ireland 2025 - 3 yo
- Documents for Admission to Boarding Schools in Ireland for foreign students
- Boarding School Rankings in Ireland
- Studying in Language Boarding Schools for International Students
- Advantages and disadvantages of English schools
- Boarding Schools in Ireland. Cost and Fees for international students
- Literature and references
This content was developed and approved with active participation of Henrietta Lightwood.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-education-systems/ireland/overview
- https://dublin.ie/live/getting-settled/schools-education/
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Currently, distinguished Irish boarding schools provide top-notch education that aligns with high standards set by the UK. SMAPSE presents a selection of 15 elite Irish boarding institutions open to foreign students. These schools in Ireland are renowned for delivering a quality education that equips students with essential knowledge and competencies for future academic pursuits.
All boarding establishments and residences in Ireland boast excellent facilities. Students enjoy spacious, comfortable campuses with opportunities for physical activity and artistic pursuits. During their leisure time, the majority of students engage in various clubs and activities that foster their talents and skills. Numerous competitions, such as the renowned school orchestra contest and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, allow foreign students to showcase their abilities, grow their leadership qualities, and enhance their teamwork and responsibility.
Ireland's historical ties to global education date back to the Middle Ages when monks taught children across Europe. Today, Ireland continues to attract many foreign students, with its esteemed private schools offering a quality education tailored to their needs.
While the locals primarily speak Gaelic, education in Irish middle schools is conducted in English, maintaining a standard comparable to that secondary education in the UK, USA, and other countries. This article explores the nuances of studying and applying to premier private schools in Ireland for foreign students, along with a list of institutions, their descriptions, rankings, and tuition costs.
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Documents for Admission to Boarding Schools in Ireland for foreign students
To gain admission to Irish boarding schools, foreign students must submit several documents, including a copy of their passport or ID, academic transcripts for the last two years, language proficiency certificates, recommendation letters from math and English teachers, a motivation letter (if required), and finished registration forms. A Skype interview or in-person visit is also needed.
Additionally, students may be required to take internal math and English assessments. Early preparation is crucial, as application deadlines typically close in January. For further assistance with any inquiries, contact SMAPSE experts.
What subjects are most commonly chosen in recent years?
Mathematics remains popular, like other sciences. By the way, psychology is literally experiencing a rebirth as a subject in demand!
Boarding School Rankings in Ireland
Ireland is home to around 800 educational establishments, with only 20% classified as private schools that serve international students. Unlike various other nations, Ireland's public schools allow foreign students to enroll, provided that those under the age of 18 have an Irish guardian during their stay.
The top boarding schools in Ireland have a rich history, complemented by extensive teaching expertise, unique educational approaches, and state-of-the-art facilities. Generally, these private institutions are located on large campuses designed with all necessary amenities for comfortable studying and living, such as classrooms, dining halls, libraries, sports arenas, and recreational areas. Foreign students typically start secondary school at around 11 to 12 years, with many choosing to study for two years during the senior cycle. However, students of varied ages can still access a quality education in Ireland.
Studying in Language Boarding Schools for International Students
Ireland has established language schools that welcome students aged 12-18 from abroad, combining English language instruction with secondary education. Benefits include partnerships with private boarding schools for diverse options, help with accommodation through host family networks, focused English language instruction, and ongoing communication between language school representatives and students' families to track progress.
Advantages and disadvantages of English schools
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world |
Expensive |
|
High quality of education and academic standards |
Strong workload |
|
Perfect English after graduation |
The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt |
|
Useful contacts |
The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist |
Boarding Schools in Ireland. Cost and Fees for international students
Tuition at prestigious boarding schools in Ireland generally ranges from €16,000 to €32,000 per year. Notably, these fees are often lower than those of comparable institutions in the USA and Canada while maintaining high educational standards.
7 best boarding schools in Ireland 2025 rankings
| 1 | Blackrock College Dublin |
| 2 | Midleton College |
| 3 | Villiers School |
| 4 | Monaghan Collegiate School |
| 5 | Royal School Cavan |
| 6 | Brookfield College |
| 7 | Sligo Grammar School |
Advantages and disadvantages of English schools
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world | Expensive |
| High quality of education and academic standards | Strong workload |
| Perfect English after graduation | The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt |
| Useful contacts | The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist |
Top 35 best schools in the USA - 2025 Smapse rankings
| 1 | North Broward Preparatory School |
| 2 | Phillips Academy Andover |
| 3 | The Storm King School New York |
| 4 | Red Bank Catholic High School |
| 5 | Windermere Preparatory School |
| 6 | Shattuck St Mary's School |
| 7 | Cheshire Academy |
| 8 | Cate School |
| 9 | Ross School |
| 10 | Deerfield Academy |
| 11 | The Village School |
| 12 | Amerigo Los Angeles – Bishop Montgomery High School |
| 13 | Webb Schools |
| 14 | Kent School USA |
| 15 | The Winchendon School |
| 16 | Darlington School |
| 17 | Marian Catholic High School Amerigo Education |
| 18 | Grier School |
| 19 | The MacDuffie School |
| 20 | CATS Academy Boston |
| 21 | The Cambridge School of Weston |
| 22 | Milton Academy |
| 23 | Amerigo Education Napa Valley |
| 24 | American Hebrew Academy |
| 25 | Northfield Mount Hermon School |
| 26 | Mater Dei Catholic High School San Diego Amerigo Education |
| 27 | American University Preparatory School Los Angeles |
| 28 | Webb Schools |
| 29 | Kent School USA |
| 30 | Groton School |
| 31 | Maine Central Institute |
| 32 | The Lawrenceville School |
| 33 | Grand River Academy Ohio |
| 34 | Saint John Paul II Academy |
| 35 | Chicago North Shore |
Top 14 best schools in Switzerland 2025
| 1 | College Du Leman |
| 2 | St. Georges School Montreux |
| 3 | Institut Monte Rosa |
| 4 | Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz |
| 5 | Saint-Charles Collège et Lycée |
| 6 | Leysin American School |
| 7 | Hochalpines Institut Ftan AG High Alpine |
| 8 | Aiglon College Switzerland |
| 9 | Institut Le Rosey School |
| 10 | Institut Montana Zugerberg |
| 11 | Champittet College |
| 12 | Brillantmont International School |
| 13 | Surval Montreux |
| 14 | Ecole Pre Fleuri |
