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The King's Hospital

Ireland, Dublin

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €9,360 - 29,760
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1669
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Taught languages English, French, German, Spanish, Italian
Strengths Performing Arts, Sport, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

The King's Hospital is an 80‑acre co‑educational boarding and day school in Palmerstown, Dublin 20, Ireland. Its curriculum follows a three‑stage structure: Junior Cycle (Form 1–3) leading to the Junior Certificate; Transition Year (Form 4); and Senior Cycle (Form 5–6) leading to the Leaving Certificate. In Junior Cycle nine core subjects are taught, including Irish, English, Maths, Geography, a modern language (French, German or Spanish), CSPE, History, Science and Religious Education, with options such as Technology, Art, Music, Business, Technical Graphics and Home Economics continuing into Form 2. Senior Cycle offers core subjects (Irish unless exempt, English and Maths, plus a modern language) and allows four to five electives from a broad list. A Careers Team supports pathway planning from Form 1 with a focus on 3rd‑level options in Forms 5–6. Distinctive facilities include the 300‑seat Wilson Wright Theatre, a Dance Barn, a Professional Recording Studio and Harden Library with Sora access. Extensive sports facilities and a dedicated rowing room complement a broad co‑curricular programme.

The King's Hospital School, Palmerstown, Dublin 20, D20 V256, Ireland

The Essentials

The King's Hospital has instruction in English.

Location
The King's Hospital School is located in Palmerstown, Dublin 20, D20 V256, Ireland. It sits on an 80-acre campus close to Dublin City, with easy access to major motorways, train links and Dublin Airport, making it a convenient home for families across Ireland and beyond.

Stages
Co-educational secondary school for boarders and day students.

Type
Co-Educational Boarding and Day School.

Country affiliation
Ireland

Religious affiliation
Church of Ireland

Bus service
The King's Hospital School provides school transport options. The nearest stops at Liffey Valley (5 minutes' walk) are served by several Dublin Bus routes including C1–C6, 26, G2, L51, L53, P29, and express X25–X32.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The King's Hospital is a co-educational boarding and day school. Boarding is provided in named houses: Grace House, Mercer House, Ormond House, Morgan House, and Blue Coat Houses (Girls and Boys). Family boarding visits are available year‑round by appointment, and Boarding Open‑Mornings are held; mid-stream boarding places (Forms 2–5) are allocated via a waiting list.

Uniform Requirement
The Uniform Code sets the dress standards. The full uniform includes the KH blazer, white shirt, KH tie, and KH navy pullover with the crest; boys wear grey trousers and girls wear the KH skirt (or KH grey trousers). Shoes must be plain black leather; uniforms must be worn on off‑campus trips and for formal occasions; Uniformity is the official uniform supplier.

Food Options
The school provides a daily catering service with morning breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. All menus include allergen information and offer vegetarian options; a rotating weekly menu provides a range of dishes.

House System
The school uses a house system withGrace House, Mercer House, Ormond House, Morgan House, and Blue Coat Houses for girls and boys; boarding houses have dedicated contacts (house emails) to support students.

Governance and Ownership
The King's Hospital has a Board of Governors (its patron) and a Board of Management; it is a Church of Ireland independent, co‑educational boarding and day school.
Fees

Annual tuition at The King's Hospital ranges from EUR 9,360 to EUR 29,760 for 2026/27.

Application & Registration Fees

- Registration fee: EUR 100 (non-refundable) payable at time of enrolment for every Form 1 domestic student.
- Acceptance deposit: EUR 1,000 for Irish-resident students; EUR 3,000 for overseas students (non-resident in the State). The deposit is credited to the student's final fee invoice for those who take up a place and is refunded in August of the year in which the student leaves. The deposit is non-refundable if the place is not taken and may also be subject to a term's fees in lieu of notice.

Tuition & Boarding Fees (2026/2027 academic year) — annual amounts

- Day pupil: EUR 9,360 per annum.
- 5‑day boarding (domestic): EUR 19,395 per annum.
- 7‑day boarding (domestic): EUR 21,880 per annum.
- 7‑day boarding (EU): EUR 28,595 per annum.
- 7‑day boarding (Non‑EU): EUR 29,760 per annum.

Per‑term and invoice breakdown (calculated from above annual fees and the school billing schedule)

Note: the school issues fee invoices half‑yearly (July and December) and requires payment in full before the start of term in August and January; domestic direct‑debit options are also available. The per‑term figures below are derived from the published annual fees and the school's billing schedule.

- Day pupil (EUR 9,360 per year):
- Per school term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 3,120.00.
- Half‑year invoice (annual ÷ 2): EUR 4,680.00.

- 5‑day boarding (EUR 19,395 per year):
- Per school term: EUR 6,465.00.
- Half‑year invoice: EUR 9,697.50.

- 7‑day boarding (domestic) (EUR 21,880 per year):
- Per school term: EUR 7,293.33 (rounded to two decimals).
- Half‑year invoice: EUR 10,940.00.

- 7‑day boarding (EU) (EUR 28,595 per year):
- Per school term: EUR 9,531.67 (rounded).
- Half‑year invoice: EUR 14,297.50.

- 7‑day boarding (Non‑EU) (EUR 29,760 per year):
- Per school term: EUR 9,920.00.
- Half‑year invoice: EUR 14,880.00.

Which year groups these fees cover

- The published annual fees apply to pupils across Forms 1–6 unless otherwise notified by the school; incidental and year‑specific charges (for example Transition Year charges) are listed separately.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Fee invoices are issued half‑yearly in July and December. Payment of fees is required, in full, prior to the first day of term in August and January unless a direct‑debit instalment plan is in place. EU student fees are payable half‑yearly in advance (before 1 August and 1 January). Non‑EU student fees are payable yearly in advance (before 1 August).
- Domestic direct‑debit options: 2 instalments (1 August and 1 January) or 8 monthly instalments (1 August to 1 March inclusive). The direct‑debit facility is not available to overseas students.
- Yearly fees‑in‑advance discount: 1.5% discount on the full yearly basic school fee when paid before the first day of term in August (extras and incidental items are not included). Capital‑fees‑in‑advance discounts are available where multiple years' fees are paid in advance; the Finance Office sets the rate.
- Late/payment default: unpaid fees incur a surcharge of 1.25% per month on outstanding balances; persistent non‑payment may lead to withdrawal of the student and loss of access to school facilities or exams. A full school term's written notice is required prior to removal, otherwise a term's fees will be payable.

Accepted payment methods and banking details

- Accepted methods for fee payment: direct debit, electronic bank transfer (IBAN/BIC provided below), cash, banker's draft, or cheque. The school does not accept payment of school fees by credit or debit card. The direct‑debit facility is not available to overseas students.
- Bank transfer details (for electronic payments): IBAN IE06 BOFI 9000 1716 3069 52; BIC BOFIIE2D. Include the student's full name and account reference on transfers.

Boarding‑specific notes (what the boarding fee includes)

- The basic boarding fee includes tuition, accommodation, meals, laundry, and routine on‑site medical attention (plus some general incidental expenses). Other incidental boarding costs may be charged separately.

Other costs and incidental charges

- Personal accident insurance: mandatory charge of EUR 15 per annum (included on the July fee invoice).
- Transition Year (Form 4) mandatory charge: EUR 280 (charged on July and December invoices).
- Optional Subjects Fee (1st Year): mandatory charge of EUR 50 (included on the July invoice) to cover books/materials for the sampling subjects.
- School Fees Remission Scheme (optional insurance against extended absence): example charges included on July and December invoices — EUR 164 for 7‑day boarders, EUR 145 for 5‑day boarders, EUR 70 for day students.
- Parents' Association contribution: EUR 25 per annum per family (included on the December invoice).
- Bluecoat Magazine: mandatory charge of EUR 25 per family (included on fee invoice).
- Career Guidance and exam‑related charges: small mandatory/approximate charges are applied for Forms 4–6 to cover career‑related services and publications (examples given in fee information). Additional incidental items (textbooks not included on booklists, prescriptions, external exam fees such as RIAM, class tours, photos, etc.) are charged when incurred and appear on fee invoices.
- Lunches/meal plan for day students: prepaid cashless system available; payments are made online through the catering partner (Sodexo).
- Student devices: 1‑to‑1 devices are mandatory for Forms 1–6 and must be purchased through the school's approved supplier (Wriggle). Device costs are separate from the basic fee and are arranged through the provider.
- Extra‑curricular activities (music, drama, clubs, trips): many activities incur additional charges; music and drama lessons are charged and parents are liable for the full year's lessons unless specified exceptions apply. These charges are payable through the school's online payments system or added to fee invoices.

Refunds and cancellations

- Acceptance deposit: non‑refundable if a place is not taken; for those who take up a place it is credited to the final fee invoice and refunded in August of the year the student leaves.
- Fee refunds because of withdrawal: at least a full school term's written notice must be provided prior to removal; in default, a term's fees will be payable. Transition Year students are not entitled to refunds or fee reductions if removed part‑way through the year unless full term's notice is given under the Terms and Conditions.
- School trip deposits: deposits for trips are non‑refundable unless the trip is cancelled by the school. If the school has paid a 3rd party on a family's behalf and that 3rd party does not permit refunds, no refund can be made to the parent unless the school recoups the monies.
- Online/shop purchases and incidental payments: refunds or credits will only be processed where the school or the third‑party supplier is able to return funds; where the school cannot recover funds from a third party no refund/credit will be issued.

Fee support and discounts

- Bursaries, scholarships, family discounts, and other fee support are available (Charter Bursary, Entrance Bursary, Governors Bursary, Canon Gibson Bursary, etc.). Applying for fee support does not remove the obligation to meet fee deadlines. Yearly fees‑in‑advance and capital‑fees‑in‑advance discounts are available as described above.

Contacts for fee queries

- Finance Office (Mrs Carly Lynch): Tel +353 1 643 6534; email feeaccounts@thekingshospital.ie. The Finance Office is open 09:00–17:00, Monday–Friday.

N.B. All figures and terms above are those published for the 2026/2027 academic year and follow the school's published fee information and payment policy.
Academics

Curriculum
The curriculum is structured in three stages: Junior Cycle (Form 1–3) leading to the Junior Certificate, Transition Year (Form 4), and Senior Cycle (Form 5–6) leading to the Leaving Certificate. Junior Cycle offers nine core subjects in Form 1—Irish, English, Maths, Geography, a modern language (French, German or Spanish), CSPE, History, Science, and Religious Education—with additional subjects such as Technology, Art, Music, Business, Technical Graphics and Home Economics available to continue into Form 2; at the end of Form 3 students sit exams for the Junior Certificate in ten subjects. Senior Cycle begins in Form 5, with eight subjects typically taken; core subjects are Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics and a modern language (French, Spanish or German), and students choose four to five subjects from a broad list including Applied Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, History, Geography, Business, Art, Design and Computer Graphics, Music, Religious Education, Politics & Society and Physical Education. The Careers Team supports a student's path to higher education, providing guidance from Form 1 with a stronger focus on 3rd level options in Forms 5 and 6. Gifted and Talented students are supported with allocated resources, and Form 1 entrants with exceptional entrance exam results may be invited to sit the CTYI SCAT entrance exam for CTYI Summer Courses and Correspondence Courses. A Learning Support Department provides SEN assistance led by the SENCO.

Gifted and Talented
Gifted and Talented Students are identified and supported with allocated resources. Form 1 entrants with exceptional entrance exam results may be invited to sit the CTYI (SCAT) entrance exam for CTYI Summer Courses and Correspondence Courses.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Pastoral care is central to student wellbeing at The King's Hospital School. House Parents, Matrons and Tutors work closely with each student, building a safe and supportive 'home away from home.' The school emphasises Curiosity, Integrity and Compassion to guide students' personal and social growth and to foster belonging within a vibrant community. The King's Hospital School is the first in Ireland to receive the IQM Inclusive School Award, reflecting commitment to embracing diversity and ensuring every student feels valued and able to be themselves.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The King's Hospital School has a Special Educational Needs Department led by SENCO Yvonne Mahady. The team provides early identification and in-class support for students with additional needs and liaises with parents, subject teachers, house staff and external professionals.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
International students who require language support receive EAL classes each week. All new students are tested for their English level during the first week of school, and results and required language study are communicated to parents. International students must take an online English proficiency test as part of the application process, and the school assesses and costs English study as needed.

Mental Wellbeing
The Wellbeing Policy guides student wellbeing and pastoral support. Diversity and Inclusion work alongside staff to prevent bullying and promote mutual respect, and the Church of Ireland values of Compassion, Integrity and Curiosity underpin the wellbeing approach. Observations from parents regarding Wellbeing can be emailed to the Deputy Head at c.uabruadair@thekingshospital.ie.

Safeguarding
The King's Hospital School maintains safeguarding policies. Observations from parents regarding safeguarding can be emailed to the Deputy Head at c.uabruadair@thekingshospital.ie.
Parent Experience

History
The King's Hospital School was founded in 1669 in Dublin city and was first located on Queen Street, Oxmantown; in 1783 it moved to Blackhall Place. Between 1957 and 1966 it acquired two small schools – Morgan's and Mercer's – contributing to growth in pupil numbers, and in 1970 relocated to an 80-acre site on the River Liffey at Brooklawn in Palmerstown, Co Dublin. Known for much of its history as The Blue Coat School, it is one of Ireland's oldest secondary schools. The school crest with three burning castles is based on the Dublin City crest and features the original name of the school from the founding charter. The school celebrated its 350th anniversary in 2019 with a calendar of events for the whole school community beginning and ending in St Patrick's Cathedral.

Community
The Senior Leadership Team leads the daily management and oversees teaching, safeguarding, wellbeing and school improvements. Student Leadership includes Prefects, Mentors and a democratically elected Student Council, which organizes events such as the Talent Show and Blue Coat Day to celebrate the school community. The Board of Governors, established under the Royal Charter, acts as the patron, while the Board of Management runs the school's conduct and governance. The KHPA hosts events throughout the year and publishes an events calendar; the AGM occurred in 2025 and additional dates are published.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The King's Hospital Parents Association hosts events throughout the year and maintains a calendar of activities. The AGM and Social Evening took place on October 9th, 2025, and committee nominations for 2026–27 are announced when confirmed. An AGM minutes document is available, and inquiries can be directed to parentsassociation@thekingshospital.ie. Upcoming events include KHPA meetings, KHPA talks, the Pre-Debs, and a Uniform Sale.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The King's Hospital is an 80-acre co-educational boarding and day school in Palmerstown, Dublin 20. The campus features a 300-seat Wilson Wright Theatre, a state-of-the-art Dance Barn and a Professional Recording Studio for Performing Arts. Harden Library promotes reading for pleasure, supports the curriculum and enables independent learning, with both print and digital resources accessible via the Sora digital library; a dedicated librarian oversees services. The school offers extensive sports facilities including the Paterson Sports Hall and Gymnasium, a 25m indoor heated swimming pool, two astro pitches with tennis courts, indoor and outdoor basketball courts and multiple grass pitches. The Barn opened in 2022 as a dedicated performing arts studio.

Sports Facilities
Paterson Sports Hall and Gymnasium on campus. A 25m indoor heated swimming pool. Two astro pitches with multiple tennis courts. Indoor and outdoor basketball courts. Multiple grass pitches. The school also has a purpose-built indoor rowing room for off-water training and on-water training at Neptune and Municipal Rowing Clubs.

Academic Facilities
The King's Hospital provides extensive specialist facilities to support its curriculum. The School Library Harden Library promotes reading for pleasure, supports the curriculum and enables independent learning, with print resources and a digital library accessible via Sora; login details are available through the library. Librarian: M S McAlister Smyth; email: library@thekingshospital.ie. The curriculum emphasizes a comprehensive and progressive range of subjects, with a strong emphasis on subject integration and specialist facilities to support学习. Reading for Pleasure resources and recommended lists are maintained within Harden Library to support student learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Performing Arts encompasses Drama, Music, Artistic Performance and Dance, with extensive co-curricular and extra-curricular activities to develop talent and confidence. Performing Arts Facilities include a 300-seater Wilson Wright Theatre, a State-of-the-art Dance Barn and a Professional Recording Studio. Extracurricular activities include Chapel Choir, KH Orchestra, Vocal Ensemble and Jazz Band, along with Dance and School Play and Musical performed in the KH theatre; sign-ups for Clubs & Enrichment are managed via SOCS. Sports programs cover rugby, hockey, rowing, swimming, athletics, and basketball, supported by on-site facilities such as the Paterson Sports Hall and Gymnasium, a 25m pool, astro pitches and multiple courts; there are also regular sports events and competitions throughout the year.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
KH participates in national academic competitions, including the IMTA Applied Maths Quiz. Two KH teams qualified for the IMTA National Finals in 2026, with KH represented at the All-Ireland Final in Athlone on April 18, 2026. KH also achieved a win at the IMTA Team Maths Finals, reflecting strong mathematical problem-solving across year groups.

Arts & Creative
The King's Hospital Performing Arts Department encompasses Drama, Music, Artistic Performance and Dance. They offer co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that help talents flourish; facilities include the 300-seat Wilson Wright Theatre, a state-of-the-art Dance Barn and a Professional Recording Studio. Extra-Curricular Performing Arts include Chapel Choir, Orchestra, Vocal Ensemble, Jazz Band, Dance, and the School Play and Musical, with audition opportunities and performances at events and festivals.

Cultural & Language
Euroscola 2023 involved 22 KH students taking part in the Euroscola program in Strasbourg. Transition Year students also take part in Model United Nations events, including a Wesley College Dublin MUN where KH represented Zambia. In TY, six KH students represented KH at the Model EU Council hosted by Wesley College, debating topics such as safeguarding democracy, AI regulation and immigration.

Social & Hobbies
The school runs a broad range of after-school clubs and enrichment activities; students sign up for activities via SOCS. KH Amplified, the school podcast, provides a platform for students, staff and alumni to share diverse KH perspectives. The Student Council, formed by democratically elected students from Forms 1–6, organises social events including the Talent Show and Blue Coat Day.

Community & Service
Outreach activities include Christmas Jumper Day supporting UNICEF Ireland and the Social Workers' Christmas Appeal, with donations collected through the school community. The KH Nappy Drive supports homeless mothers at Capuchin Day Centre, with donations accepted at designated locations. KH outreach also features charity performances and fundraising at events such as Stewart's Care Outreach and other community initiatives.

Leadership & Professional
Student Leadership includes prefects, mentors and the Student Council, supported by the School Leadership Team. Prefects are appointed from Form 6, with four students selected as School Captains and School Vice Captains. Mentors are chosen from Form 4 and assigned to year groups as ambassadors; the Student Council meets regularly to discuss issues. The Student Council also organizes events such as the Talent Show and Blue Coat Day.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports are integral to KH's ethos, with a diverse programme of team and individual sports that supports wellbeing and personal development. Form 1 must participate in FOCUSports for at least two afternoons per week, while Forms 2–4 participate in one Autumn/Winter FOCUSport and one Summer FOCUSport. There is an in-house gym with Strength and Conditioning coaches, plus rowing, swimming and tennis facilities, and regular yoga classes are offered.
Languages

Language Provision
Irish is a core subject (compulsory unless you have an exemption). English and Mathematics are core. Modern Foreign Languages are offered: French, Spanish or German (subject to exemption). Students choose four to five subjects from a list that includes these languages and other subjects.
Reputation

Awards
Green Flag – An Taisce Green-Schools program; KH's ninth Green Flag on the theme of Global Citizenship – Travel, recognizing sustainability initiatives across the school.
National Awards for eTwinning – three National Quality Labels for our eTwinning projects completed last year: Meine Traumschule; Gesunde Schule, Gesunde Schüler; The Other Side of the Street.

Accreditations
EPAS accreditation (European Parliament Ambassador Schools) – KH is an EPAS-accredited school.
Admissions

Admissions
1) Form 1 Day entries are submitted only through the online form during a three‑week Autumn window each year when the child is in 6th Class. An Expression of Interest Form is available to alert families to enrolment dates and updates, and it does not place a child on the waiting list. For international inquiries, the International Student Applications page provides applicable guidance. 2) New Form 1 Day applications must be accompanied by a Birth Certificate, Registration Fee and/or Religious Affiliation Certificate before processing begins. The Admissions Team can be contacted for help if needed. 3) New Form 1 Boarding applications can be submitted when the child is in 5th or 6th Class, with family boarding visits available year‑round by appointment and Boarding Open‑Mornings scheduled on specific dates. 4) Boarding applications must include PPS Number, current primary school roll number, birth certificate copy, Religious Affiliation Certificate (if applicable to Anglican or Protestant traditions), and a €100 non‑refundable application fee. 5) All boarding applicants are required to visit the school or join a video call for an interview before an offer is made. 6) A child should have reached 12 years by September 1 of the enrolment year for Form 1, and there are additional criteria (including Anglican faith primary school criteria) that may apply to places. 7) For 2027 enrolment, a non‑refundable deposit of €1,000 must be paid at the time of offer. 8) The offer of a place is made after the selection process; the acceptance form is signed and returned; the deposit is paid to secure the place. 9) Expression of Interest does not place a child on the waiting list. 10) The Admissions Policy 2026 and related documents describe how places are allocated, including a Garda‑supervised waiting list lottery for any places not filled by criteria.

Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded annually to incoming Form 1 students based on the results of the scholarship and entrance examination and are carried forward for the duration of studies in the school.

Waitlist
Waiting lists exist for remaining places. Allocation combines application by criteria with a Garda‑supervised lottery. Day applications have an October application window, while Boarding applications can be made anytime within two years of enrolment; applications received after October 22 will not benefit from criteria and are added to the bottom of the waiting list.
School Events
The school has not added events
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