Ireland's private school fees up 25% in five years as boarding demand drops
New data shows day fees rose by an average of 4% last year, while two prestigious institutions announce major changes or closures.
By James Anderson ·
Private school fees in Ireland have climbed by almost 25% over the last five years, according to a new analysis of cost data. This sharp increase in tuition costs is occurring as the market for boarding education contracts, leading to structural changes at several of the country's most established independent schools.
Glenstal Abbey School in County Limerick announced last week that it will close by August 2028. The school, which has operated for nearly 100 years, cited declining demand for boarding and rising operational costs as the primary reasons for the decision. Past pupils of the institution include businessman John Magnier and Web Summit founder Paddy Cosgrave. In a statement, the school noted that boarding schools across Ireland and elsewhere face similar financial pressures.
Wesley College in Dublin 16 also announced changes to its boarding arrangements this week. The school will now offer only five-day boarding instead of the previous seven-day option. A letter to parents explained that demand from the traditional seven-day market has declined, while interest in five-day boarding has grown.
The financial data reveals how these market shifts are affecting parents. Of the 48 fee-paying schools surveyed, 44 raised their day fees last year. The increases ranged from 2% to 13%, with an average rise of just over 4%. The annual cost for day students varies widely, starting at €4,625 at Drogheda Grammar School and reaching a high of €25,296 at Nord Anglia International School in Leopardstown, Dublin 18.
Glenstal Abbey was the second most expensive option for day fees at €14,950, while the Institute of Education in Dublin 2 charged €12,745. For boarding students, costs are even higher. St Columba's College in Dublin 16 charges €31,154 for seven-day boarders, followed by Clongowes Wood in County Kildare at €30,533 and Headfort School in County Meath at €25,900.
Stratford College in Rathgar, Dublin, offers a more affordable option at €5,000 per student this year. That figure is up just over 3% from €4,850 last year. Principal Nathan Barrett attributes the lower costs to the school's small size, with a student population of just under 200 children. The building, formerly a house, requires less upkeep than sprawling campuses.
Barrett noted that the school's limited size means it does not need to raise fees aggressively to cover the costs associated with a large student body and staff. Like most fee-paying schools, Stratford relies on the Department of Education to pay the salaries of a specific number of teachers. The state funds one teacher for every 23 pupils in private schools, compared to a ratio of one for every 19 in non-fee-paying schools.
The department spent €143 million on salaries for teachers and special needs assistants in fee-paying schools for the 2023/24 school year, up from €131 million in 2022/23. It also provided €1.9 million in building and ICT grants in 2024. Despite this funding, Barrett expressed frustration that his school cannot easily receive state funding to open a special education class.
A Department of Education spokesperson stated that the National Council for Special Education prioritizes providing special education in free-scheme schools. However, fee-charging schools may open special classes if they meet relevant criteria and there is an identified need that local free schools cannot meet. The department allocates €6.75 million per year to the Secondary Education Committee to administer the Protestant Block Grant, a means-tested support for pupils in 20 Protestant fee-paying schools.
