Primary, secondary education in Ireland for international studens. List of 19 top institutions, 2023 fees, rankings
- Education information
- Studying in one of TOP-15 secondary Irish schools
- Learning programs-summary information
- Advantages and disadvantages of English schools
- Top 21 boarding colleges in England 2022
- Top 35 best schools in the USA - 2022 Smapse rankings
- Top 14 best schools in Switzerland 2022
- Top 12 best schools in Canada 2022
- Best boarding schools in England - 2022 Smapse rankings











Alternative destinations
Education information
Nowadays, TOP-15 Irish secondary schools accept international students from the age of 12, after grade 7,8,9,10. Foreign students can study in daytime private schools (with accommodation in a host family) and in private boarding schools and houses (with accommodation in the residence on campus). In addition, after graduating from the middle and high school, foreign students can enter prestigious universities in Ireland without entrance exams.
Studying in one of TOP-15 secondary Irish schools
Today, 15 best Irish schools provide a wide range of courses and programs, students can get education in Ireland that fully corresponds to highest international standards. Foreign students often choose studying in Ireland as it's a great opportunity to combine effective studying with exciting cultural programs and tourism.
The country is covered with legends and is full of historical sights. Actually, it's impossible to find a region without ancient castles, ancient forts and fortresses, temple complexes. In addition, Ireland - it's velvet valleys and emerald green hills. Climate is quite mild.
Ireland is known for its social well-being, and the locals are one of the friendliest nations in Europe. Cities and towns of the country are safe and perfectly suited for foreign students and tourists. There is perfectly developed infrastructure, low expenses for housing, transport services and food.
In addition, many foreign students choose getting education in Ireland as there is a perfect mix of price and quality. The educational model in Ireland is virtually identical to the British one: in elementary school, children study up to 12 years, then go to the secondary school, which ends at the age of 17-18 and students receive the certificate.
Learning programs-summary information
Name | Meaning | Equivalent | Min. age | Duration, years |
Next stage | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GCSE | General certificate of secondary education | secondary education (non-accomplished) | 14 | 1–2 | A-Levels | 15,000 USD+ |
A-Levels | Advanced level | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
BTEC | Business and Technology Education Board | secondary special education | 14 | 2–3 | University/ work | 15,000 USD+ |
Oxbridge Preparation | Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge | secondary education (accomplished) | 17 | 1 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
International Baccalaureate | International baccalaureate | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 18,000 USD+ |
Foundation/ Pathway Year | Preparatory year | admission to the 1st year of university | 17 | 1 | University | 14,000 USD+ |
NCUK | The Northern consortium | 2 year university | 17,5 | 1 | 2 year University of NCUK | 13,000 USD+ |
Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) | Specialized training | - | 14 | optional | optional | 4,000 USD+ |
Academic English | Academic English | Language school | 8 + | 6–12 months | School or University | 8,000 USD+ |
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 21 boarding colleges in England 2022
1 | Cardiff Sixth Form College |
2 | National Mathematics and Science College |
3 | Abbey College Cambridge |
4 | d'Overbroeck's College |
5 | MPW London |
6 | CATS Cambridge |
7 | Kensington Park |
8 | DLD London |
9 | King's College St Michael’s |
10 | Bellerbys Cambridge |
11 | Chelsea Independent College |
12 | MPW Cambridge |
13 | Bellerbys Brighton |
14 | CATS London |
15 | St Clare's Oxford |
16 | Bishopstrow College |
17 | CATS Canterbury |
18 | Bellerbys London |
19 | Ealing Independent College |
20 | Cambridge Tutors College |
21 | Abbey Manchester |
Top 35 best schools in the USA - 2022 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 Оhio |
34 | Saint John Paul II Academy |
35 | Chicago North Shore |
Top 14 best schools in Switzerland 2022
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 |
Top 12 best schools in Canada 2022
1 | Brookes Shawnigan Lake |
2 | Rosseau Lake College |
3 | Albert College |
4 | Columbia International College |
5 | Ridley College |
6 | St Andrew's College |
7 | Brentwood College School |
8 | Pickering College |
9 | Bodwell High School |
10 | Trafalgar Castle School |
11 | Fulford Academy |
12 | Shawnigan Lake School |
Best boarding schools in England - 2022 Smapse rankings
1 | Cardiff Sixth Form College |
2 | Sevenoaks School |
3 | Queen Ethelburga's College |
4 | Brighton College |
5 | The National Mathematics and Science College NMSC |
6 | Concord College |
7 | Westbourne School |
8 | Wellington College |
9 | Rossall School |
10 | d'Overbroeck's College |
11 | Dulwich College |
12 | Fettes College |
13 | Stonar School |
14 | Wycliffe College |
15 | Lucton School |
16 | King's School Canterbury |
17 | ACS School Cobham |
18 | Hurtwood House |
19 | Uppingham School |
20 | Scarborough College |
21 | King's College St Michael’s |
22 | Mill Hill School |
23 | Windermere School |
24 | Clifton College |
25 | Badminton School |
26 | Oakham School |
27 | Oundle School |
28 | Stowe School |
29 | Cheltenham College |
30 | Bromsgrove School |
31 | Sidcot School |
32 | Prior Park College |
33 | Millfield School |
34 | Oswestry School |
35 | Caterham School |
36 | City of London Freemen’s School |
37 | Buckswood School |
38 | Brooke House College |
39 | Taunton School |
40 | St Clare's Oxford |
41 | Repton School |
42 | Royal Russell School |
43 | King's Ely |
44 | Leys Cambridge |
45 | Leighton Park |
46 | Bedford School |
47 | Fyling Hall |
48 | Royal Hospital School |