Why Choose Rathdown - Coeducational Day and Boarding School

Virtually 100% of our 6th Year students go on to third-level education every year.

Rathdown past pupils are currently studying abroad in a variety of UK, European and US Universities.

As many of our students choose to study abroad this number is not reflected in the annual newspapers' league tables, which only takes Irish third-level entry into account. 

Academic success is not the only reason to educate your son or daughter at Rathdown School. Children can commence their education at 3 years old and advance to the Senior School in the same caring and nurturing environment of Rathdown. The school and boarding facilities foster an environment that enables them to blossom into confident and independent modern young people by the time they graduate. In Rathdown School, we focus on the holistic development of each student.

As a small school, each student receives individual attention. We are small enough for everyone to know each other but large enough to offer an exceptional all-round education in Ireland. A key strength of the school is our strong pastoral care programme. Starting in the Junior School, we focus on life skills that assist students to strengthen their relationships, pursue a healthy lifestyle, build positive emotions and enhance personal resilience.

We offer a wide range of subject choices including 21 subjects at Senior Cycle level. Our students benefit from extensive extra-curricular options, sports activities and a Music School; all the ingredients for a well-rounded education.

We understand that choosing the right school for your child, whatever age they are, is a very individual process and so we are always happy to arrange a private Zoom meeting either as a follow up to the Virtual Tour or as a first step towards considering our school.

Private Zoom meetings can be arranged for parents on their own, or with children – whichever feels right for you. During the meeting, you will get to spend one to one time with key members of staff including the relevant Principal and the Head of Boarding if you are considering boarding. 

Visitors have often commented on the dynamic, positive, and happy atmosphere of the school, as well as the open and relaxed manner of our students.

You can currently view our Virtual Tour or to arrange a tour please call +353 (0)1 285 3133 or e-mail the Registrar alternatively for more information fill out our Enquiry form.

Our boarders enjoy an extra dimension in their school life.

They live a full day with their friends, saving travelling time and allowing more hours to be devoted to both study and play.

They enjoy a wide variety of evening and weekend activities. This includes Saturday morning fitness and team sports, evening social activities and regular off-campus cultural trips. There is supervised study available to all boarders from 9 am - 1 pm on Saturday mornings but it is not compulsory. We believe it is vitally important, after a busy week of sports and academics, to also have some downtime to relax.

How to Apply:

See how to join our Junior School or Senior School or for more information email the Registrar or call +353 (0)1 285 3133 or fill out our Enquiry form.

What Our Parents Say

We recently surveyed Rathdown School parents.

We are delighted to share the very positive feedback that we have received. We strive to continue to offer the best learning experience for all of our students. These survey results demonstrate the hard work and commitment from everyone at Rathdown School. We value feedback to help us to continue to improve and make Rathdown School a very special place to be.