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St Columba's College

Ireland, Dublin

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The school at a glance
Fees €11,481 - 36,322
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 350
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1843
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Taught languages English, Italian, French, Spanish
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

St Columba's College is a Catholic, seven-day boarding and day school on a 140-acre campus in Whitechurch, Dublin 16. The curriculum follows the Irish National Curriculum; pupils sit Junior Cycle in Form III and Leaving Certificate in Forms V–VI, with Transition Year in Form IV that blends short modules (Public Speaking, Digital Literacy, Linguistics) with academic study and work experience, including RCSI Mini-Med and Law Library. The Leaving Certificate programme offers seven subjects with core English, Maths, and Irish or a language, plus options such as History, Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Art, Music, and Design and Communication Graphics, with Higher and Ordinary levels available. The school supports CAO and UCAS applications and offers study opportunities in the US and Europe, with curricula aligned to DoE and NCCA standards. Facilities include Cadogan Music Centre, Library, Art Centre, Science Block, Dining Hall, and an on-site nine-hole golf course, two AstroTurf pitches, a Sports Hall, and thriving drama, music and debating programs.

The Essentials

St Columba's College has 350 pupils, typical class sizes of 15.

Location
The school is located at Whitechurch, Dublin 16, Ireland. It sits on a 140-acre campus in South County Dublin, at the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, overlooking the city. The campus is described as being set on 140 acres at the foot of the Dublin Mountains with views toward Dublin.

Stages
Junior Cycle; Transition Year; Senior Cycle within a Catholic voluntary secondary school.

Type
Catholic, seven-day boarding and day school.

Additional learning support
Special Educational Needs (SEN) support is provided via a dedicated SEN department and Learning Support Programme, with identification, targeted support and exam accommodations as required.

Country affiliation
Ireland

Religious affiliation
Catholic

School day structure
The school day begins with breakfast between 7:00am and 8:05am, followed by a Chapel service at 8:20am and lessons beginning at 8:45am. Lessons run six days a week (Monday to Saturday), with a morning break from 11:00am to 11:30am and a two-course lunch. There are two further lessons in the afternoon, followed by compulsory games, evening meals and supervised prep; boarders have house routines.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Seven-day, full boarding with Saturday school and Sunday chapel. Over 80% of pupils are boarders. Boarders reside in Beresford (girls, youngest), Glen (boys), Gwynn (senior boys), Iona (girls) and Stackallan (boarding). Day Pupils are housed in Kilmashogue (boys) and Clonard (girls), while Day Boarders stay in Glen or Hollypark.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform policy with Prep School, Senior School and Sixth Form dress codes. Uniforms and PE gear are purchased from Stevensons and Tylers; a second-hand uniform shop is run by the Parents' Association.

Food Options
Meals are provided by Baxter Storey. Breakfast, hot lunch with a salad bar and fruit, snacks and an evening meal are served; menus rotate weekly and dietary requirements are accommodated.

House System
House system includes Beresford, Clonard, Glen, Gwynn, Iona, Stackallan, Kilmashogue and Tibradden. Day Pupils are based in Kilmashogue (boys) and Clonard (girls); Day Boarders live in Glen or Hollypark; inter-house activities are encouraged.

Governance and Ownership
The College is a charitable foundation. Governance rests with up to 20 Fellows; the Board of Management comprises up to nine Fellows, the Warden, Sub-Warden, two elected staff, two elected parents and the Chairman of the Parents' Association.
Fees

Annual tuition at St Columba's College ranges from EUR 11,481 to EUR 36,322 for 2026/27.

Application & registration fees

- Registration fee: EUR 200 (payable at time of application; non-refundable).
- Confirmation of Entry fee (payable on acceptance of a place; allowable against the final account where applicable): EUR 1,500 (Irish/UK/EU) and EUR 2,000 (Non‑EU). On acceptance, write the pupil's full name in the payment reference.

Tuition fees — annual and per installment (published figures for the 2026/27 billing structure)

Fees are billed two times per school year (one invoice in each billing month). The annual fee and the corresponding single invoice amount (annual ÷ 2) are shown below.

- Day Pupil: EUR 11,481 per year — split invoice EUR 5,740.50.
- Day Boarder (day boarder who takes supervised prep and meals): EUR 14,981 per year — split invoice EUR 7,490.50.
- Junior Boarder (Forms I–III): EUR 26,154 per year — split invoice EUR 13,077.00.
- Senior Boarder (Forms IV–VI): EUR 31,154 per year — split invoice EUR 15,577.00.

Detailed boarding & day fee categories and additional levies

- Summer Works Levy: EUR 800 per family (charged in addition to tuition where applicable).
- For boarding, differentiated annual fee levels (by junior/senior and by nationality category) and an EU administration charge apply in practice; examples of annual figures used in the school's published fee schedules are:
- Junior (Forms I–III): EUR 25,270 (Irish/UK/EU); EUR 31,322 (Non‑EU).
- Senior (Forms IV–VI): EUR 30,270 (Irish/UK/EU); EUR 36,322 (Non‑EU).
- EU Pupils administration charge (where applicable, excl. Ireland & UK): EUR 1,755.

What is included and excluded from the tuition/boarding fees

- Included: core tuition, accommodation (for boarders), and scheduled meals.
- Excluded (examples of chargeable items): extra textbooks, College publications, extra stationery, external public exam fees, travel costs related to College activities, dry cleaning, emergency medical/specialist/dental fees, prescriptions, transport for games (unless team travel is included), gowns/surplices/House ties, and weekly House allowance. Optional extras are charged per term. Any fee account with an outstanding balance will not be allowed to sign up for optional extras.

Optional extras & common additional charges

- Instrumental music tuition: standard annual charge (example: EUR 1,000 per year for a primary instrument; additional instrument charges typically EUR 900 for a second instrument and EUR 800 for a third instrument; charged half‑yearly in arrears).
- English as a Foreign Language and one‑to‑one lessons: charged separately (rates vary by number of classes).
- School trips: optional trip costs must be paid in full in advance; some trips require a deposit when booking (example deposit cited recently: EUR 220). Any account with an outstanding balance will be prevented from taking part in optional trips.

Billing schedule, invoicing & payment terms

- Billing schedule: fees are billed twice each academic year (one invoice in each billing month). Invoices are issued by e‑mail. Payment timetables are tied to the two billing points.
- Overseas pupils who require a visa must pay the full year's fees in advance and pay extras at the end of each term. Interest is charged on overdue balances. If a place becomes available from January, fees for the remainder of the year are charged as two terms.
- Notice of withdrawal: parents are required to give six months' notice of removal of a pupil or, alternatively, pay a half year's fees in lieu of notice. For withdrawal from certain programmes (e.g., Learning Support Programme or music tuition) at least one full term's notice is required or a full term's fees are payable in lieu. A pupil whose fees have not been paid by Half Term may not be allowed to remain at the College.

Refunds and how confirmation payments are treated

- The Confirmation of Entry fee is allowable against the final account when a pupil leaves at the end of an academic year; any balance after charges for extras is refunded in the term after the pupil leaves.

Payment methods and banking details

- Accepted payment methods and instructions include online bank transfers (overseas payments must be made by online banking). Payment by Euro cheque or bank draft drawn on Irish banks has historically been accepted in some circumstances; parents are advised to use the College bank details and to include the pupil's full name in the payment reference. The College publishes its bank account and IBAN/SWIFT details for electronic payments. Invoices are issued by e‑mail to the address on record. Interest may be charged on outstanding balances. For specific payment processing queries contact the Bursar's office.

Other practical payment notes

- Discounts and reductions: discounts for siblings, children of past pupils and significant discounts for the children of Church of Ireland clergy apply under the College's discount policy. Bursaries (means tested) may be available in certain cases. Fee accounts with outstanding balances are restricted from optional activities or extras. Guardianship requirements apply for pupils whose parents live overseas.
Academics

Curriculum
The curriculum is determined by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). Pupils prepare for the Junior Cycle in Form III and for the Leaving Certificate in Form VI. There are three forms in the junior school: Form I, Form II and Form III; Form IV is Transition Year (compulsory) and Forms V and VI form the Senior School. Transition Year features a broad mix of short modules (e.g., Public Speaking, Digital Literacy, Linguistics) alongside academic study, work experience and career-oriented courses (e.g., RCSI Mini-Med and Law Library). The Leaving Certificate programme in Forms V–VI is typically seven subjects, with core English, Maths, French or Spanish and Irish (unless exempt), plus options such as History, Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business, Economics, Art, Classical Studies, Music, and Design and Communication Graphics; some subjects can be studied at Higher or Ordinary level. The school supports applications to Irish universities via CAO and UK universities via UCAS, as well as study opportunities in the US and Europe, with the curriculum aligned to Department of Education and NCCA standards.

Student Teacher Ratio
8:1

Higher Education Progression
In 2024, 81% of students secured their first-choice university, with 75% gaining places at Russell Group or Top 10 institutions, including UCL, King's College London, Durham, Bristol, Manchester and Bath.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a dedicated wellbeing programme overseen by Cúram that emphasises pupils' physical, emotional, social and mental wellbeing. Through SPHE (including the College Relationships & Sexual Education programme), CSPE, Religious Education, Special Education Needs (SEN) and Guidance, pupils receive targeted wellbeing content. The programme is supplemented by sports and extracurricular activities, chapel services and pastoral structures, with hours far exceeding the 300 hours required for Junior Cycle. The Student Support Team coordinates the wellbeing programme across College life to promote wellbeing and positive mental health, with discreet supports when needed. The Student Support Team comprises Mr Mark Boobbyer (Warden), Julian Girdham (Sub-Warden), Ms Maybury (Head of Pupil Welfare), Mr Owen (Chaplain), Mrs Stanley (School Counsellor), Mr Ryan (Head of SEN), Mr Higgins (Head of Pastoral Care) and Anita Getty (Matron); meetings are confidential.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Special Education Needs (SEN) is integrated within the wellbeing framework, with the Student Support Team coordinating SEN provision and Mr Ryan serving as Head of SEN.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is a central focus; the Student Support Team promotes wellbeing and positive mental health across College life, with access to a School Counsellor when needed and confidentiality maintained. If a parent is concerned, the Housemaster is the first point of contact.

Safeguarding
The school has a Child Safeguarding Statement adopted under the Children First Act 2015, aligned with Children First guidance and the 2023 Child Protection Procedures; the Designated Liaison Person is Mark Boobbyer and the Deputy DLP is Julian Girdham. The Statement sets out safeguarding procedures, staff training requirements and annual review, and it is available to parents on request.
Parent Experience

History
St. Columba's College was founded in 1843 by Rev. William Sewell, the Lord Primate of Ireland, and others. Since its foundation it has been in communion with the Church of Ireland but the College has a vision of ecumenism which welcomes other faiths also. In 1849 it moved from Stackallan House, Co. Meath, to its present 140-acre site on the slopes of the mountains in South County Dublin, with Hollypark House as its centerpiece. The 1880 Chapel, designed by William Butterfield, is a notable landmark, and many buildings reflect Georgian and Victorian origins. Development of the campus has continued with major additions such as the Library and Reading Rooms (1994), the Sports Hall (1998), the Cadogan building (converted to a Music and Performing Arts School in 2008) and the Science Block refurbishment (2016), among other improvements that blend historic character with modern facilities.

Community
St Columba's College maintains a vibrant, connected community with an active alumni network and a proactive Parents Association. The Old Columban Society has around 3,000 members worldwide and hosts social events in Dublin, London, Belfast, Germany and beyond, complemented by an annual magazine. The Parents Association includes representatives from all age groups and its chair sits on the Board of Management; regular newsletters and communications keep families connected. The College uses newsletters, termly updates and social media to keep pupils, parents and staff engaged.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
St Columba's Parents Association (SCPA) brings families together and plays a key role in the College community. It organises a range of social events throughout the year, including Prep Festival, Christmas Ball, quiz nights, coffee mornings and informal gatherings. The SCPA supports the College by bringing people together, raising funds and volunteering. There are many ways to get involved, such as joining a termly meeting, helping at events, baking a cake, taking part in the second-hand uniform sale or volunteering your time. Prep parents receive updates via the weekly newsletter, and those interested in joining the committee or becoming a Class Rep can contact the school office.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school sits on a 140-acre campus in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. The site includes Main Building (Beresford House), College Chapel, Library, Big School Room, Music Centre, Art Centre, and a Science Building, with Dining Hall and Stackallan House among the campus buildings. On‑campus amenities include a nine‑hole golf course operated on site by Kilmashogue Golf Club, a Sports Hall, two AstroTurf hockey pitches, rugby playing fields, and a swimming pool. The grounds also encompass the Deerpark and Sanitorium, and Whispering House serves as a cafe and social centre for pupils.

Sports Facilities
Two artificial AstroTurf hockey pitches are on campus. A modern Sports Hall includes a five‑bay indoor nets facility for cricket, with additional cricket nets on site. There are six tennis courts on site—four astro and two hard courts—with a historic grass court previously used in the past. The campus features a on‑site nine‑hole golf course, operated by Kilmashogue Golf Club, with pupil priority times for playing. A swimming pool is available on campus, complementing rugby playing fields and cross‑country routes on the grounds.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include a Science Building, Art Centre, and Music Centre (Cadogan). The Cadogan Music building was converted from a boarding house in 2006 and refurbished with teaching and performing facilities, located beside the Big School Room. The Library and Big School Room are central learning spaces on site. Dining Hall and Stackallan House are among the campus buildings that support academic life.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Arts & Crafts form part of the broad extra‑curricular programme; the visual arts space was converted from the former gymnasium and supports art, pottery, and photography clubs with trips and major annual exhibitions. Music and choir activities are prominent, with a dedicated music staff and multiple choirs performing in chapel and at events; the on‑site Cadogan Music building supports teaching and performance. Drama and performance are integral, with a well‑equipped stage, a dedicated Drama Room, and annual productions and workshops. Public speaking and debate are active, with internal competitions and participation in external events such as European Youth Parliament, World Schools Debating Championships, and Model United Nations.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Debating club, choir, drama, and writing for the school newspaper are offered, and pupils can start their own clubs if none exists. These co-curricular activities develop confident, curious and well-rounded pupils and run alongside academic study. The College provides an extensive programme of trips and visits to enrich learning beyond the classroom.

Arts & Creative
There are wonderful Music and Art facilities and a strong tradition of drama and public speaking. Drama continues to flourish through performances, while music offers orchestras, jazz, rock and samba ensembles, as well as solo and chamber opportunities. Students also explore art, textiles, photography and food technology, and there are around a dozen plays and more than 30 musical performances each year.

Cultural & Language
An extensive programme of trips and visits broadens cultural horizons. The arts and creative life—drama, music, painting, photography and choir—are well supported as part of daily school life. Pupils can start their own clubs if there is not one that interests them, and activities such as debating and public speaking contribute to cultural exchange.

Social & Hobbies
A vast sports programme runs six days a week, with rugby, hockey, athletics, cricket, tennis and basketball as core team sports and options including football, archery, polo-crosse, badminton and volleyball. All pupils play some sport every day, contributing to a healthy balance with academic work. The co-curricular programme also includes drama, music and the arts, enriching social life and personal development.

Leadership & Professional
The College has a Senior Prefect system and a Senior Prefects' Welcome, with pupil leadership roles in the student body. There is a house system stewarded by Housemasters and Tutors, and senior students are appointed to leadership positions within the school community. These structures support leadership, responsibility and teamwork through school life.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
There are six days of compulsory sport for all pupils, with a broad programme that includes rugby, hockey, athletics, cricket, tennis and basketball, as well as additional activities such as football, archery, polo-crosse, badminton and volleyball. An active body complements an active mind, supported by a strong sense of community and pastoral care.
Languages

Language Provision
French and Spanish are offered as Modern Languages. A modern foreign language is compulsory for the Leaving Certificate, unless a pupil has a special dispensation. In Junior Cycle, pupils choose between French and Spanish at the beginning of 1st Form and continue with that language to the end of 3rd Form. Irish (the Irish language) is taught as part of the curriculum and is compulsory unless exempt in Forms I–III and again in Forms V–VI. Transition Year includes modules such as Linguistics and TEFL and is designed to prepare pupils for the Leaving Certificate with language development. Topics are taught in the target language, and over 80% of pupils take Higher Level in the Leaving Certificate. The Spanish and French syllabi are similar and are examined across speaking, listening, reading and writing, with additional support such as a weekly native-speaker oral class in 6th Form. There are opportunities for language-related extracurriculars, including the Modern Languages Evening and European Day of Languages. In TY pupils complete modules and there is emphasis on language skills; Fourth Formers who are not native English speakers have had taster lessons in their own language through French or Spanish, with languages such as Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, Ukrainian, Polish, Russian, Italian, German, Yoruba, Swahili, Catalan and Euskera having been offered.} <|/s> (These citations appear after the content as required.)(pls note: the final line shows the sources used) } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } }
Admissions

Admissions
1. Entry and intake: The College recommends entry at Form I (aged 12). Admission to all Forms is possible, but Form I is preferred; some pupils join Form II (often from preparatory schools), Form IV (Transition Year) and Form V (the start of the two-year Leaving Certificate). Entry to Forms III or VI is not normally recommended, though exceptions may be made after consulting the Admissions Office. 2. Applications and timing: Day places cannot be applied for until October 1 in the year preceding entry; boarding places may be applied for a year earlier. All pupils applying for a place must visit the College before entry. 3. Application and fees: Applicants should complete the application form and return it to the Admissions Office with the appropriate fee. 4. Visits and tours: Candidates are invited to meet the Warden and tour the facilities before entry. 5. Assessments and interviews: Form II entrants normally sit the Common Entrance Examination; Form IV and V entrants are usually interviewed by the Warden or Sub-Warden and past reports are sought from their current school. Pupils whose first language is not English sit assessments in English and Mathematics in November of the year preceding entry. 6. Offers: The first round of offers is made during Michaelmas Term (September–December of the year prior to entry); the second round of offers is made at the start of Trinity Term, just after Easter. 7. Sizes and capacity: Year-group sizes rise to about 60 in Forms IV and V; the Junior cycle average class size is about 15; the Senior cycle average is about 10; the College has bed space for about 240 boarders and usually awards around 100 day places. 8. Current status: Boarding applications are open for the 2027-2028 academic year; Day Pupils and Day Boarders entry into Form I in September 2027 will open on October 1, 2026. 9. Fees overview: For the 2026-2027 year, Day Pupil from €11,481 per annum; Junior Boarder from €26,154 per annum; Senior Boarder from €31,154 per annum; Day Boarder from €14,981 per annum.

Scholarships
Scholarships, Bursaries & Awards: Junior Scholarships are offered to the highest performers in the Entrance Assessments for Form I, with values of €2,500 for a boarder, €1,125 for a day boarder, and €900 for a day pupil, tenable for three years. The Form III Scholarship may be awarded to high‑performing Form III pupils, tenable for Forms IV–VI, with values of €5,000 for a boarder, €2,250 for a day boarder, and €1,800 for a day pupil. The Old Columban Society scholarship is awarded to a child of an Old Columban, worth €1,250 for one year. The Norman Scholarship provides funds for the sons and daughters of Church of Ireland clergy to support third‑level education. Additional awards include discounts and broader terms: a 50% discount for Norman Scholarship recipients; 10% discount for children of past pupils; 5% discount for the second child, 10% for the third child, and 15% for the fourth child. Bursaries are means‑tested and may be available to boarding pupils; the application follows the Bursary Policy. Academic Scholarships may be offered to external applicants at 11+ and 13+ (and to Prep School pupils at 11+), awarded by a Scholarship Review Panel based on entrance assessment performance, interview, and references; internal candidates with outstanding GCSE outcomes may also be considered. Music Scholarships exist at 11+ and 13+ (external applicants and Prep School pupils at 11+); auditions are required and candidates should typically be established performers with appropriate grade levels. A 16+ Music Scholarship may be offered in some cases. Sports Scholarships reward sporting excellence and require evidence of elite level pathway or representative experience; Drama Scholarships depend on audition and commitment to drama. The Scholarships process includes deadlines: 11+/13+ Scholarships deadline is Friday 13 November 2026; Sixth Form deadline is Friday 4 December 2026. Bursaries are means-tested and may supplement scholarship awards where needed. For more information, refer to the Bursary Policy.
School Events
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