Ireland is a country with a history deeply intertwined with the development of international education, dating back to the Middle Ages, when monks from Irish monasteries travelled across Ireland and other countries to educate children from all over Europe. Today, Ireland is an attractive destination for students from around the world, and its top boarding schools offer high-quality educational services. Although Irish, or Gaelic, is still spoken in Ireland, these boarding schools provide education in English, on par with the standards of the UK, the USA, and other countries. This article will explore the features of studying and enrolling in the best Irish boarding schools for Russian and international students. Additionally, you will find a list of the top boarding schools in Ireland, including their descriptions, rankings, and tuition fees.
Features of the Irish Secondary Education System
Like the UK, Ireland highly values educational traditions established in the Middle Ages—at that time, Irish educational institutions were among the leading in Europe. Education in Ireland is still regarded as a special area of focus for the state, with the prestige and demand for Irish boarding schools being a matter of national pride.
The Irish secondary education system closely resembles that of the UK and other European countries. It consists of three main stages:
– Primary School Education: Schools accept children aged 6 to 8, with education ending at the age of 11-12.
– Secondary School Education: This stage includes two cycles—a three-year junior cycle and a two-year senior cycle, often separated by a transition year.
– Tertiary Education: Conducted in universities and colleges, this stage can be divided into four types of institutions:
- Public universities offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees;
- Public technological colleges offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as national diplomas;
- Public teacher training colleges specializing in education;
- Independent institutions offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees and opportunities for professional practice and specialization.
This article focuses on the first two stages. Primary schools in Ireland admit children aged 6 to 8, with education continuing until they are 11-12 years old. However, there are also institutions similar to Russian kindergartens, where children as young as 2-3 years old are accepted for early education and school preparation. These preparatory schools often follow the Montessori method, which is popular in Ireland and many EU countries. Mandatory subjects at the primary level include mathematics, English, and Irish. Additionally, students engage in creative subjects such as music, visual arts, and sports.
The second stage is secondary school education, which is divided into two levels. Ireland has over a hundred boarding schools. Students move from primary classes to the junior cycle of secondary school, which lasts three years (ages 13 to 16). At this stage, students study up to ten subjects. Irish boarding schools typically include a transition year during which students choose the subjects they are interested in studying. In many of the best boarding schools in Ireland, this year is a mandatory part of secondary education, although some students may choose to skip it.
In the junior cycle of secondary school, mathematics and English remain compulsory subjects, while students can select other subjects from a wide range of disciplines, including sciences, humanities, foreign languages (ranging from French and German to Latin), creative subjects, information technology, and more. Education in primary and junior secondary school is compulsory for all Irish citizens. Upon completing these stages, students must pass an exam to obtain a Junior Certificate, which allows them to move on to the senior cycle.
The senior cycle of secondary school in Ireland consists of two years of intensive preparation for university entrance. During this period, students study 6-8 subjects, including compulsory mathematics and English, with the remaining subjects chosen based on individual preferences. At the age of 17-18, students complete their education and must pass the Leaving Certificate (LCE) exam. The best boarding schools in Ireland also offer other qualifications, including the traditional British A-level, the American SAT, the International Baccalaureate (IB), and more—depending on the chosen academic path. All these certificates and diplomas are recognized by most universities worldwide.
Top Boarding Schools in Ireland for International Students
Ireland is home to about 800 educational institutions, of which only one-fifth are private boarding schools for international students. It is worth noting that public schools in Ireland, unlike similar institutions in other countries, also accept foreign students; however, children under 18 must have an Irish guardian during their stay.
Public schools appeared relatively recently, in the mid-20th century, while the best private boarding schools in Ireland have been operating for centuries, offering extensive teaching experience, proprietary teaching methods, and well-developed modern infrastructure. The campuses of private educational institutions in Ireland are typically entire student towns, equipped with everything necessary for comfortable learning and living, including dining halls, academic buildings, libraries, sports fields, and sports facilities.
A significant feature of secondary education in Ireland is that all institutions, including private boarding schools, receive state support. As a result, the vast majority of Irish citizens receive a full secondary education either free of charge or at a minimal cost. Consequently, about 80% of Irish citizens obtain a complete secondary education, compared to nearly 40% in the UK, where many students leave school at 16-17 without earning an A-level diploma and the right to enter higher education institutions.
Regarding the age at which international students can enter the best private boarding schools in Ireland, it is typically 11-12 years old. However, the majority of international students prefer to study in Irish boarding schools during the last two years, i.e., in the senior cycle of secondary school. Nevertheless, students at any age will receive a high-quality education.
Specifics of Studying in Private Language Boarding Schools in Ireland for Children and Students
Today, language schools in Ireland offer education to children from around the world aged 12 to 18. These schools combine English language courses with secondary school education. The advantages of studying in such schools include:
- Language schools have partnerships with several private boarding schools to choose from;
- Language schools assist in finding accommodation, often with host families who are willing to house international students;
- Students will improve their English language skills in a language school, allowing them to immerse themselves in the secondary school learning process more quickly;
- Language school representatives keep parents and host families informed throughout the academic year, allowing parents to monitor their child’s progress.
Admission Process to the Best Private Boarding Schools in Ireland
The requirements for admission to private boarding schools in Ireland vary depending on the institution. However, there is a specific list of documents that every private boarding school in Ireland will require:
- A copy of a valid passport;
- Academic transcripts from the previous school for the last two years;
- Recommendation letters from mathematics and English teachers, and sometimes from the school principal;
- A student’s motivation letter;
- A certificate confirming a certain level of English proficiency—the minimum required level depends on the institution;
- Registration forms and documents specific to the private boarding school in Ireland.
Additionally, an interview may be required, either in person, over the phone, or via Skype. It is also advisable to include any diplomas and certificates for the child’s achievements.
In some cases, applicants may also need to pass internal entrance exams in mathematics or English.
Therefore, it is essential to prepare well in advance for admission to private boarding schools in Ireland—most institutions close their application process in January each year.
Tuition Fees at Irish Boarding Schools International Students
The cost of education at the best private boarding schools in Ireland is generally more affordable than the price of secondary education in the UK, the USA, Canada, etc., while maintaining a high standard of education. On average, a year of study and living at an educational institution in Ireland will cost between 10,000 EUR and 15,000 EUR. For example, a year of study at a private boarding school in the capital of Ireland, Dublin, will cost between 9,500 EUR and 14,500 EUR, including tuition, study materials, school uniform, and accommodation. Comparable conditions at private boarding schools in the UK will cost between 15,000 EUR and 25,000 EUR.
