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John Scottus School

Ireland, Dublin

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €5,900 - 6,615
Ages 5 - 17 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1986
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Taught languages French, Latin
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Languages, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

John Scottus School in Ireland operates across Primary Old Conna, Primary Dublin 4 (Northumberland Road), Secondary Old Conna, and John Scottus National School. The school serves ages 5 to 17 as an independent, co-educational day school with a multi-campus structure. The curriculum rests on four pillars: Stillness, Attention, Enquiry, and Unity. Stillness uses mindfulness and meditation to support present-centered learning; Attention emphasizes engaging teaching and self-discipline; Enquiry employs the Socratic method with weekly philosophy to explore truth, courage, justice, love, and self-awareness; Unity fosters care for others and community. The school is multi-denominational and inspired by Plato, Christianity and Advaita Vedanta; the motto is Laetus Impraesens – Delight in the Present. Facilities include a playground and access to local green spaces for PE; Primary swimming with after-school transport; Astro pitch for basketball and a grass pitch for soccer. Clubs include choir, music activities, guitar, French Club, Irish Club, and art.

John Scottus Primary (Old Conna): Ferndale Road, Rathmichael, Co. Dublin, A98FN12; John Scottus Secondary (Old Conna): Old Conna, Ferndale Road, Rathmichael, Co. Dublin, A98FN12; John Scottus National School (Dublin 6): 157 Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin 6, D06 R621 (city-centre primary also shown in documents as 47–49 Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge, D04 R128)

The Essentials

John Scottus School has instruction in English.

Location
John Scottus operates across multiple campuses in Dublin, Ireland. John Scottus Primary Old Conna is located in Rathmichael, Co. Dublin. John Scottus Primary D4 is at 47-49 Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. John Scottus Secondary is at Old Conna, Rathmichael. John Scottus National School is at 157 Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin 6.

Stages
Primary (Junior Infants–6th Class) and Secondary; Primary Old Conna also includes Pre-School on site.

Type
Independent, co-educational, day school.

Additional learning support
Additional Education Needs policy: a continuum of support with in-class, small-group and withdrawal support; deployment of resources to meet identified needs; collaboration with NEPS, SENO and NCSE; staff receive CPD in SEN provision.

Country affiliation
Ireland

Religious affiliation
Multi-denominational

School day structure
For the Dublin 4 Primary campus, side gate opens 08:00; Junior Infants finish 2:00 pm; Senior Infants finish 3:00 pm; 1st Class–6th Class finish 3:05–3:15 pm. After-school runs 2:00–3:00 pm (Junior Infants only) and 3:15–5:15 pm (All). No after-school on the first & last days of full terms. After swimming, children booked into After-school are bused back to the school.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Day school; no boarding is offered.

Uniform Requirement
The uniform is gender neutral. Black shoes are mandatory; ties striped for 1st-4th years and plain navy for 5th & 6th years.

Food Options
Catering includes nourishing breaks; a vegetarian lunch can be available for an additional fee.

House System
Every student belongs to one of six houses spanning First Year to Sixth Year; the house system fosters cross-year relationships and pastoral care, with house events, a buddy programme, and shared responsibility.

Governance and Ownership
Separate Boards of Management for Primary and Secondary Schools operate under Department of Education guidelines. The Boards are accountable to the Board of Trustees, which forms the John Scottus Educational Trust (JSET), the patron of John Scottus School; the Boards oversee ethos, strategy, management, education and finances and appoint Principals and Deputy Principals.
Fees

Annual tuition at John Scottus School ranges from EUR 5,900 to EUR 6,615 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration Fees

- A registration deposit is required to secure a place. For the primary school an advance payment of EUR 1,000 is required when an offer is accepted; this deposit is applied against fees and becomes non‑refundable from 1 March before the child starts.
- For secondary admissions a registration form must be returned together with a deposit equivalent to a proportion of the first term's contribution. The school's admissions information specifies that a deposit is required at registration.

Tuition fees (by school level and year)

- Primary (Old Conna) — Annual tuition for the 2026/27 academic year: EUR 5,900. This annual fee includes nourishing breaks, a vegetarian hot lunch, books and art materials.

- Secondary (Old Conna) — Annual tuition for the 2026/27 academic year: EUR 6,615. Catering (nourishing breaks) is included; an optional vegetarian lunch may be available for an additional fee. The school also publishes admissions material that references a yearly fee and requires a registration deposit (a proportion of the first term) on registration.

- Pre‑school / Early Years — Published weekly and annual fee schedules exist for the pre‑school (example schedules and hot‑lunch charges are set out in the pre‑school fees policy documents). Specific class‑level or term‑by‑term breakdowns for pre‑school are provided in the pre‑school fee policy documents.

Per‑term / instalment detail and sibling discounts

- Primary instalment options (examples from the school's published fees policy):
- Payment in full at the start of the academic year with an early‑payment discount.
- Payment in two instalments (dates and amounts set out in the fees policy for the relevant year).
- Payment by monthly standing order in a series of monthly instalments (dates and amounts set out in the fees policy for the relevant year).
- A 10% sibling discount applies to the second and subsequent siblings in the primary school. The fees policy also shows how the advance deposit reduces the outstanding balance.

- Secondary per‑term / per‑year‑group breakdowns are not published as separate year‑group tariffs; the secondary school lists a single annual tuition amount for the published year. The admissions process requires a registration deposit (a proportion of the first term) at registration.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The primary fees policy details payment schedules and deadlines (options for payment in full, two instalments, or monthly standing orders with fixed dates). Receipts are issued on request. Parents who withdraw children must give written notice and four weeks' notice or pay four weeks' fees. Non‑payment may result in loss of place, suspension or withdrawal of the child until the matter is resolved. Fees continue to apply for days/weeks the child does not attend; exceptional closure provisions are addressed in the fees policy.
- The secondary admissions information confirms that confirmation of places for the following September is issued in October and that a registration deposit (proportion of the first term) accompanies the registration form; parents are advised of decisions and payment procedures as part of the admissions process.

Boarding fees

- John Scottus operates as day schools (primary, pre‑school and secondary). There are no published boarding fees.

Other costs and compulsory extras

- Uniform: branded items (tracksuit, polo shirt, school bag) and compulsory items (black shoes, ties) are required; some uniform items are available to purchase through specified suppliers. Cost of uniform items is additional to tuition.
- Catering / Lunch: primary and secondary notes indicate lunch/snack provision. Primary and some pre‑school fees include lunch; optional or additional catering services may incur extra charges at secondary level.
- Optional extras: supervised study, certain clubs, trips and some extracurricular activities may have separate fees; the school's policies and parent communications set out chargeable activities and any associated fees.

Refunds and withdrawal terms

- Advance deposit (primary): the EUR 1,000 advance payment to secure a primary place is applied against fees and becomes non‑refundable from 1 March before the child starts; the deposit is used to offset the second half of the year's fees. Withdrawal requires written notice and either four weeks' notice or payment of four weeks' fees. In cases of long‑term certified medical absence the school asks parents to keep in contact to discuss arrangements. Non‑payment can result in loss of placement.
- Pre‑school and other policies specify deposit and refund arrangements appropriate to those settings (for example deposits for pre‑school places and conditions for refund).

Fee payment options

- Online payments: an online payments portal (Payzone) is used by the school for fee payments.
- Bank transfer / standing order: the primary and pre‑school fees policies publish bank details (John Scottus Educational Trust) and provide IBAN/BIC for electronic transfers and specify standing‑order instalment schedules.
- Other accepted methods: the school's payments portal and published fees policy materials cover accepted payment methods (online portal, standing order and bank transfer); parents are issued receipts on request.

Scholarships, bursaries and financial assistance

- Bursaries and scholarships may be available that cover up to 50% of fees for eligible families or as part of transition support from primary to secondary; application forms and criteria are set out by the school.

Summary notes

- The school operates as fee‑charging day schools (pre‑school, primary and secondary) with published annual tuition figures for the relevant academic year, an advance registration deposit requirement, structured payment options (full, instalments, standing order), published bank details for electronic transfer, sibling discounts in primary, and explicit withdrawal and refund terms in the fees policy documents. Key payment and refund rules (deposit amount and non‑refund date, instalment amounts and dates, withdrawal notice requirement) are set out in the school's published fees policy documents.
Academics

Curriculum
The John Scottus curriculum comprises four pillars: Stillness, Attention, Enquiry, and Unity. Stillness includes mindfulness and meditation to foster focus and present-centered learning. Attention emphasizes engaging teaching, the joy of learning, and self-discipline. Enquiry nurtures self-discovery and uses the Socratic method with weekly philosophy to explore concepts such as truth, courage, justice, love and self-awareness. Unity promotes care for others and community. The school is multi-denominational and inspired by Plato, Christianity and Advaita Vedanta; the motto is Laetus Impraesens – Delight in the Present.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school builds social and emotional development through Stillness, Attention, Enquiry and Unity. Mindfulness and pauses between activities nurture the body, mind and heart and develop full attention. Attention is cultivated as a core learning skill, supporting joy in learning and high academic standards while fostering habits of selflessness, thoughtfulness and truthfulness. Enquiry encourages self-discovery and curiosity, with a Socratic approach and weekly philosophy practice exploring truths such as courage, justice, love, and self-understanding. Unity invites students to see themselves in others and to care for one another. The school's vision emphasizes nurturing intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual development and the motto Laetus Impraesens – Delight in the Present.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
In addition to core subjects, the curriculum includes Philosophy, Classical Studies, Well-being, Art, Music and Drama, with a strong emphasis on Language and Speech alongside Maths and Science. This reflects language and communication as a central component of the standard curriculum at John Scottus.

Mental Wellbeing
Mindfulness and Stillness are integrated into daily life to support mental wellbeing. The four pillars Stillness, Attention, Enquiry and Unity guide present-moment awareness, calm focus, thoughtful engagement and care for others. The motto Laetus Impraesens – Delight in the Present underpins a present-moment orientation across school life. Philosophy practice and self-reflection are used to nurture well-being, curiosity and a compassionate mindset. Overall, the ethos centers on balanced development of the mind, body and spirit.

Safeguarding
A Child Safeguarding Statement is adopted by the Board of Management (April 7, 2025). The school has a designated Designated Liaison Person (DLP) as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns. All staff are mandated persons under the Children First Act 2015, and the school adheres to vetting procedures as required by law. The procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns to Tusla and related statutory guidance are in place, with annual review of the safeguarding statement. The policy documents, risk assessments and related safeguarding materials are maintained and available to the school community.
Parent Experience

History
John Scottus Primary and Secondary schools were founded in 1986 by a group of parents who sought an education aligned with the philosophical principles they encountered in the School of Philosophy and Economic Science. The schools are named after John Scottus Eriugena, an Irish philosopher whose synthesis of Christian teaching with Platonic thought informs the school ethos. The patron is the John Scottus Educational Trust, and similar schools exist in major cities worldwide including London, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Johannesburg and Trinidad. In 1999 the Primary School was recognised as a National School by the Department of Education and Science, and in 2000 the Secondary School was recognised as a Voluntary Secondary School. The curriculum follows the standard primary and secondary frameworks with a strong focus on Philosophy, Mindfulness, Classics and Speech, and the schools have received endorsements from the Department of Education and Skills in recent whole-school evaluations.

Community
Life at John Scottus extends beyond the classroom with weekly outings and international expeditions, student leadership roles, and a house system spanning First Year through Sixth Year. There are six houses that foster cross-year belonging, with house events such as lunches, games and competitions, and the annual House Cup; a buddy programme pairs senior students with incoming First Years to help them settle in. Transition Year includes weekly trips to exhibitions and cultural events in and around Dublin, giving students hands-on learning experiences. The school runs a Global Citizenship Education programme and hosts a Schools Climate Conference each year, along with fundraising days for various charities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents Association works closely with the principal to improve and enhance different aspects of the school. The Association does not deal with individual matters and does not represent individual parents or pupils in dealings with the school. A PDF outlines the role of the Parent Rep.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
John Scottus operates Primary Old Conna (Ferndale Road, Rathmichael, Co. Dublin A98FN12), Primary Dublin 4 (47-49 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4, D04 R128), Secondary Old Conna (Ferndale Road, Rathmichael), and John Scottus National School (157 Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin 6, D06 R621). The Northumberland Road campus has a playground at the back and is within five minutes' walk of green spaces for PE. The Primary School runs swimming as part of its program, with students collected from the pool. After-school options are available, including transportation arrangements after swimming.

Sports Facilities
Sports facilities include an Astro pitch for basketball and a grass pitch for soccer.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular clubs include basketball on the Astro pitch, golf lessons at Old Conna, choir and music activities in the Music Rooms, guitar, French Club, Irish Club, and art clubs.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Self-discovery and critical thinking are nurtured through the Spirit of Enquiry and the Socratic Method. Weekly philosophy practice explores truth, courage, justice, love, and self-awareness. Attention is central to learning and supports high academic standards, while virtues such as selflessness, thoughtfulness, and truthfulness are cultivated.

Community & Service
Service is a core value that encourages students to grow into responsible global citizens by fostering social awareness. Unity, spirituality, and love support compassionate engagement within the school and wider community.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The motto Laetus Impraesens – Delight in the Present – signals the importance of being fully present. Regular practice of meditation and mindfulness strengthens focus, enhances awareness, and connects students to quiet presence in stillness and activity. Mindfulness is embedded in daily life to support well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
English and Irish are taught as subjects within the full Department of Education and Skills curriculum.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Entry and year access: The school is independent, co-educational, and a day school offering education to boys and girls from age four to 17; direct entry into any year is available. The school serves children starting at age four and provides options for entry into any year. 2. Registration and ethos: Registration opens each September for the following academic year, and early applications help ensure a smooth process. The ethos centers on unity, spirituality, the spirit of enquiry, service, and love, and the admissions team remains readily available to assist at every step. 3. How to apply and visits: To begin, click the Apply Now button to complete the application form; questions can be emailed to primaryoldconna@johnscottus.ie. Personal tours are encouraged, and the school hosts open events throughout the year. 4. Open events: Open events are hosted to immerse prospective families in life at John Scottus and provide opportunities to learn more about the school.

Scholarships
School Bursaries and Scholarships: John Scottus Secondary School offers bursaries and scholarships to Sixth Class students entering Secondary. The bursary covers up to half the fees for the Junior Certificate cycle (three years). Submissions are received by the School's Bursary and Scholarship Board, and decisions are made as soon as possible. The main criteria are the student's and family's commitment to the school life and ethos and the student's work in school. The bursary application form is downloadable from the site.

Waitlist
Decision making for places: If a class is not full, acceptance is given shortly after the registration form is received. If a class is full, all applications receive provisional acceptance. In October each year, confirmation of places for the following September is sent. A Registration Form is completed by parents and returned together with a deposit (a proportion of the first term's contribution). Priority criteria include: 1) children coming up from John Scottus Primary School, 2) children of staff, 3) brothers and sisters of existing pupils, 4) children of past pupils, 5) ethos considerations, and 6) first come, first served.
School Events
The school has not added events
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