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Sandford Park School

Ireland, Dublin

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €8,900
Ages 12 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 435
Type Co-educational
Opened 1922
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Indian Curriculum
Taught languages French, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian
Strengths Performing Arts, STEM, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Sandford Park School is a private, co-educational day school in Dublin's Ranelagh area for pupils aged 12 to 18. English is the language of instruction and the curriculum follows the Irish system, with Junior Cycle, Transition Year (compulsory) and Senior Cycle leading to the Leaving Certificate. The school opened in 1922 and became co-educational in 2013; current enrollment is around 435 students. The campus combines bright academic buildings with dedicated creative and sporting spaces, science laboratories, and bespoke spaces for Art, Music and, from Summer 2025, Drama, Film and Theatre Studies. The arts are a central focus, with a broad programme across music, drama and art, supplemented by Film Club and student productions. A wide range of co-curriculars supports academic development, including STEM Club, Chess Club and Debating, along with leadership and service activities through the Charity Committee and student councils. The school fosters a non-denominational, inclusive culture and offers a supportive environment for personal growth, teamwork and discovery.

Sandford Park School, Ranelagh, Dublin 6, D06 FN29, Ireland

The Essentials

Sandford Park School has 435 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Sandford Park School is located in Ranelagh, Dublin 6, D06 FN29. It sits on Sandford Road on a wooded campus close to Dublin city centre. The Luas stations Beechwood and Ranelagh are within a five-minute walk, and the DART minibus service operates for students during term time. Dublin Bus routes 11, 44, 44D and 180 stop outside the school or in nearby Ranelagh village.

Stages
Post-primary, co-educational. The school offers Junior Cycle, Transition Year (compulsory), and Senior Cycle.

Type
Co-educational, day school with a non-denominational ethos.

Additional learning support
An Additional Education Needs (AEN) Coordinator and AEN team provide tailored support for students with additional learning needs.

Country affiliation
Ireland

Religious affiliation
Non-denominational

Bus service
The School provides a minibus service for students during term time.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school does not offer boarding.

Uniform Requirement
Form I–III wear a Sandford Park green blazer, Sandford Park School tie, mid-grey trousers (boys) or mid-grey knee-length skirt or trousers (girls), a white shirt, and a grey pullover with crest; an outer coat is required to cover the blazer and black conventional shoes with a 4 cm heel limit. The Sports Uniform includes a Sandford Park School polo shirt, a radium rain jacket, a ¼ zip mid layer fleece, rugby jersey and shorts, crest track pants, crest hockey shorts, and crested PE shorts; trainers are required for sports.

Food Options
The school has a canteen where lunches are served; meals are purchased through a cashless Debitrak system using a smart fob.

House System
The school uses a house system for assessment, with house exams as part of the assessment process.

Governance and Ownership
The school is administered by a Board of Governors. The Sandford Park Foundation was established by Sandford Park Trust Company CLG, the sole shareholder of Sandford Park School.
Fees

Annual tuition at Sandford Park School ranges from EUR 8,900 for 2026/27.

Annual tuition (all year groups)
- EUR 8,900 per pupil, per academic year.

Per-term / instalment detail
- Fee invoices are issued in July and January each academic year; fees are due on 1 September and 1 February. Parents receive itemised student-specific invoices.
- Where fees are paid by the school's standard half-year billing, each instalment corresponds to approximately EUR 4,450 (i.e., half of the annual tuition). The school also permits payment by direct debit in ten equal monthly instalments (5 September to 5 June). Based on the annual tuition alone, ten equal monthly instalments would be EUR 890 per month; a non-refundable direct-debit administration fee of EUR 50 applies.

Tuition differences and additional student charges
- Non-EU student charge: EUR 1,500 per year (applies in addition to the standard tuition).
- Transition Year (4th Year) programme fee: EUR 600 per year; invoiced in two equal instalments of EUR 300 on the September and February statements.

Other recurring and optional fees / charges
- Individual music tuition (optional): EUR 1,050 per academic year (30 lessons); music tuition fees are charged in the term in which lessons take place.
- Annual locker rental: EUR 25.
- School journal: EUR 10.
- Annual yearbook (The Griffin, optional): EUR 35.
- PTA subscription (optional): EUR 25.
- Past Pupil Union life membership (6th Year only, optional): EUR 70 (appears on the February invoice).
- Personal accident insurance (mandatory): EUR 10 per year.
- School fee rebate insurance (optional): charged twice yearly; provides certain rebates (details and exclusions apply).
- Canteen/lunches: cashless system (Debitrak) for purchases; families load funds onto student accounts. School issues smart fobs to new students.
- School trips that include overnight stays must be paid in advance; participation may be withheld if the family's fee account is in arrears and no payment arrangement is agreed. Malicious or negligent damage to school property will be charged to the parent/guardian account.

Application, enrollment and place-deposit charges
- Application/administration fee: EUR 100 (non-refundable). For additional sibling applications, an administration fee of EUR 60 applies.
- Place deposit on acceptance: EUR 1,000 (non-refundable). On a pupil's commencement, EUR 300 of that deposit is applied to the first school fee invoice; the remaining EUR 700 is applied to the final fee invoice on leaving the school.
- Certain competitions/scholarship applications may carry separate entry fees (for example, music scholarship application entrance fees have been EUR 40 when required).

Billing schedule, payment deadlines and late-payment terms
- Invoices are issued in July and January; fees are due 1 September and 1 February. All fee accounts must be paid in full by 31 May to ensure progression to the following academic year. Late settlement or fee arrangements made without prior written agreement may incur an annual late payment charge (EUR 500). The school reserves the right to withdraw a student for non-payment and to withhold reports where accounts remain outstanding. One term's written notice is required to withdraw a student; failure to give one full term's notice makes the parent/guardian liable for one term's fees in lieu of notice.

Payment methods accepted
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to the school bank account: Account Name: Sandford Park School; Bank: AIB; IBAN: IE52 AIBK 9312 2540 6490 92; SWIFT/BIC: AIBKIE2D.
- Payzone (online payments available).
- Cheque (made payable to Sandford Park School and forwarded to the Bursar).
- Direct Debit (ten equal monthly instalments, 5 September to 5 June; non-refundable annual administration fee EUR 50).
- Cash payments are not accepted.

Discounts, bursaries and financial assistance
- Sibling discounts (concurrent enrolment): 2nd child 5% of net tuition, 3rd child 10%, 4th child and subsequent 15% (applied after any scholarship or bursary). Past-pupil discount: 10% applicable to children of past pupils.
- Means-tested school bursaries are available on a limited basis; the school also refers families to the State Secondary Education Committee (SEC) grant (where eligible) and to external funds such as Protestant Aid and the Bertrand & Rutland Fund.

Refunds and withdrawal / notice provisions
- Place deposit: EUR 1,000 is non-refundable on acceptance; portions of the deposit are credited to the fee invoices as described above.
- Withdrawal: one full term's written notice to the Principal is required; failure to give one full term's written notice makes the parent/guardian liable for one term's fees in lieu of notice. The school may withhold reports or deny access to facilities where fee accounts remain unpaid.
- Fee rebate insurance (optional) can provide rebates for certain qualifying absences due to illness and remission in the event of the accidental death of the principal fee payer; specific conditions and exclusions (for example, closures for pandemics or Department directives) apply.

Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable. Sandford Park School is a day school.

Points to note for parents
- Fee invoices and all fee-related queries are handled by the Bursar's office. Fee payers receive itemised statements and may request individualised payment schedules in exceptional circumstances for consideration by the Bursar. The school reserves its contractual rights (withdrawal, withholding reports, referral to debt recovery) where fees remain unpaid and no written agreement is in place.
Academics

Sandford Park School teaches Indian Curriculum for students aged 12 to 18.

Curriculum
Sandford Park School is a co-educational private day school for students aged 12 to 18. English is the language of instruction. The school prepares students for the Irish State examinations, and the Irish Leaving Certificate is widely recognised by European and American universities for entrance. The curriculum is organised into Junior Cycle, Transition Year, and Senior Cycle. Junior Cycle includes English, Irish, Maths, History, CSPE, Business Studies, and French. Transition Year is compulsory and includes a range of academic, personal, vocational, social and cultural activities alongside core subjects, Leaving Certificate modules, and a wide array of experiential activities. Senior Cycle focuses on preparing students for the Leaving Certificate with subject blocks and a progression pathway to higher education and careers.

Exam Results
Junior Cycle results were announced for Transition Year; Transition Year students achieved fantastic Junior Cycle results. Benjamin Griffiths, in particular, achieved nine distinctions. The post notes that many Transition Year students achieved high results.

Gifted and Talented
Freya McKeever achieved 100% in the IMTA First Year Maths Competition 2026.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Guidance Counsellor is available to all students for counselling in individual or group settings. All students have access to guidance for personal, social and career matters. In Transition Year, a weekly Careers class supports self-exploration and subject choice. The school emphasises pastoral support and a safe, caring environment to help students develop confidence and resilience.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has an Additional Education Needs Coordinator and AEN team who meet with individual students to assess educational needs and arrange supports in consultation with parents/guardians.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
International students are welcome and, where relevant, attend English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes.

Mental Wellbeing
Pastoral care is a central feature, with a Guidance Counsellor and a strong home/school partnership. The school fosters a safe, disciplined and caring environment and offers guidance and personal support to help students think creatively, reason critically and communicate effectively.

Safeguarding
The mission describes educating Irish and international pupils in a safe, disciplined and caring environment, reflecting a safeguarding-focused ethos within the school.
Parent Experience

History
The school opened on 12 September 1922. Alfred Le Peton was the first headmaster. The school became co-educational in 2013. The school has around 435 pupils aged 12–18 and offers the Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle.

Community
The school has a strong sense of community. Students know each other, and teachers are passionate about their subjects. The school maintains ties with past pupils through the Sandford Park Union. At Sandford Park, the relationship between student, teacher and parent is viewed as a vital element of educational success.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has a dynamic and supportive Parent Teacher Association. The PTA represents the interests of parents and promotes understanding and communication between parents, management and students. All parents/guardians and teachers are welcome to become members. The PTA organises social events such as wine and savoury evenings in the first term and a summer evening party in mid-May; it runs a uniform sale and provides financial support to projects within the school, including framing students' artwork, contributions to drama, sport equipment and IT facilities, and it sponsors lectures for students and/or parents. The PTA comprises five fathers/guardians, five mothers/guardians, a teacher's representative and the school Principal who chairs the association; the AGM is held in late September, and officers include a president/secretary and a treasurer; new members may be co-opted. Parent representatives sit on the Green Schools' Committee, the Charity Committee and the Sports Council; the Association is funded through a parental contribution.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus combines modern teaching spaces, dedicated creative and sporting areas, and welcoming social environments designed to help every student thrive. Students can explore a science lab, practise in arts spaces, or enjoy the grounds.

Sports Facilities
Our sports facilities offer students the opportunity to stay active, build confidence, and enjoy a wide range of physical activities. Whether training, competing, or simply having fun, students benefit from safe, high-quality spaces that support wellbeing and teamwork.

Academic Facilities
Academic buildings are bright and modern, designed to encourage curiosity and achievement. Our academic facilities support every subject area and provide students with tools to explore ideas, think independently, and develop a strong foundation for future study.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Sandford Park has a creative arts culture, offering Music, Drama, and Art at Junior Cycle, Transition Year, and Leaving Certificate levels, supported by a programme of co-curricular activities. The school provides bespoke Art and Music rooms and a dedicated Drama, Film, Theatre Studies space added to the campus in Summer 2025 to support the growth of the arts. The educational experience is complemented by a broad range of co-curricular activities on a modern campus. These opportunities help students develop social and creative skills for a successful and fulfilling adult life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers a range of co-curricular activities that support academic development. STEM Club engages junior students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through hands-on experiments and Python coding projects. Chess Club provides opportunities for strategic thinking and problem solving, while Debating develops articulation and public speaking. Book Club fosters reading, discussion, and engagement with diverse genres and authors.

Arts & Creative
The school has a vibrant arts program as part of Extra-Curricular. Drama is an integral part of the creative arts, with participation in the annual production on stage and backstage. The Music Department offers a comprehensive programme built around participation, enjoyment, creativity, community and excellence. Art develops creative and technical skills, while Film Club lets students study classic films, learn camera operation, and collaborate on film projects.

Cultural & Language
The school supports cultural and language activities through events and clubs. Poetry Society is among the cultural and literary clubs available. One Good School Cultural Diversity Day celebrates cultural diversity and features student presentations representing cultures and languages. School Trips offer educational tours that are cultural, historic, musical or language-based, including trips to Europe or the USA.

Social & Hobbies
The school offers social and hobby clubs for student life. Chess Club provides a space for strategic play and peer interaction. Book Club invites students to read, discuss and explore diverse genres and authors. Film Club studies classic films, learns camera operation, and collaborates on projects.

Community & Service
The Charity Committee coordinates charitable events and oversees fundraising throughout the school year. Each year pupils vote for a local or Irish charity to be adopted as the school's charity. Charities represented include the Irish Cancer Society, the Irish Heart Foundation, the Simon Community and the Irish Refugee Council. Non-uniform days and other activities raise funds, with around €5,500 raised annually.

Leadership & Professional
Students have many opportunities to develop leadership skills through involvement in clubs and committees. The Student Council serves as an official forum where students voice concerns and collaborate with the principal, staff and peers. Prefects provide leadership and help run school activities, reflecting Sandford Park's traditional approach. The Buddy System, Green Schools, Sports Council and Charity Committee further foster peer leadership and responsible citizenship.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school emphasizes health and wellbeing through sport and physical education. The sports program is built around five core pillars: Participation, Enjoyment, Pride, Respect, and Communication, guiding all activities. A wide range of sports is offered, including hockey, rugby, basketball, badminton, tennis, and cricket, with additional programs such as Athletics/Running Club and Strength & Conditioning. Sports Days are lively events designed to maximise participation and enjoyment.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. Irish is taught as part of the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate; Irish is compulsory at Leaving Certificate level. French is taught at Junior Cycle as a language subject for all students. Spanish is taught at Junior Cycle and is available as a Leaving Certificate language option, with a whole-school emphasis on Spanish through activities such as a Spanish assembly.

Bilingual Teaching
The school does not offer bilingual teaching; English is the language of instruction.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Read the Admissions Policy and view the Annual Admission Notice. The Admissions Policy complies with the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018. An Annual Admission Notice is published each September detailing the application process for the following academic year, including application and decision dates, the number of places available, the number of applications received and the number of places offered. 2. First Year admissions follow a defined process. There are two processes: one concerns entry to 1st Year and the other for applications for 2nd Year to 6th Year. For First Year 2027/2028, the application window is 1 October 2026 to 21 October 2026. The online Application Form for Admission will be available from 1 October 2026. Applicants should read the Admissions Policy before applying. 3. 2nd-6th Year admissions. Applications for 2nd-6th Year may be submitted at any time for available places. Allocations are made in accordance with the selection criteria in the Admissions Policy. Any offer is conditional on payment of a deposit in full. The application form may be downloaded from the website. 4. International Students. International Students: The school welcomes applications from international students. Where relevant, applicants are required to attend English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes. For information on fees and general provisions for non-EU citizens, refer to Fee Breakdown section.

Scholarships
Music Scholarship is offered to students entering Form 1 in 2027/2028. Applications are now open and will close on 1 October at 5:00 p.m; application forms are available on the school's website. Scholarships may cover full or partial tuition fees and are reviewed annually based on progress and participation.
School Events
The school has not added events
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