St. Columba’s College

St Columba’s College, Dublin

While the school prides itself on its enviable academic reputation, at its heart is a village community where every child is cared for, nurtured and equipped to find their own place in the world. Many of the staff live onsite contributing to the atmosphere of “a home away from home”. Its dedication to the best in pastoral care was highly praised by the Boarding Schools' Association after a visit in 2017.

Opportunities abound with six afternoons of sport a week, drama, music, debating, public speaking and performing in front of peers and visitors. From the Warden (headmaster) downwards there is an emphasis on the spirit of servant leadership both within and beyond the College.

St Columba’s is proud of its heritage as one of the oldest schools in Ireland, while constantly matching itself to the needs of the 21st century. It boasts newly refurbished state of the art science labs and a brand new social centre in the heart of the school opened in September 2019.

With excellent academic standards, the College sends pupils both to top Irish and UK universities, but also to Ivy League Colleges in the US and universities throughout Europe.

Admission. Application for admission should be made to the Warden. An assessment day is held for entrants in October prior to the year of entry. Entry is determined by a number of factors, including family association, geographical spread (including Northern Ireland, the UK and overseas), date of registration and an understanding of the values which underpin the College. Entrants from Preparatory Schools take the Common Entrance Examination. There are two junior Houses for entrants between the ages of 12 and 13 years. Admission may also be made at 16–17 years.

Curriculum. In the Upper School, a wide choice of subjects and a large number of courses are available for the Irish Leaving Certificate. This examination keeps many options open for third-level colleges. It is the qualifying examination for entry to Irish universities and is acceptable to the faculties of all British universities and further afield. The Irish Junior Certificate is taken in the third form. A compulsory Transition Year programme follows the Junior Certificate.

Chapel. Services are held daily for the whole school. While St. Columba’s has a Church of Ireland foundation and nurtures the Christian faith, pupils of all denominations and backgrounds are included and welcome.

Other Activities. Music, Art, Pottery and Technical Graphics (which are part of the curriculum in the Lower School), Design and Communication Graphics (part of the curriculum offered in the Upper School) and Drama, Debating, Photography, Computers and various other clubs and societies are offered at all levels.

Games and Pursuits. Rugby, Hockey, Cricket, Athletics, Tennis, Basketball, Golf, Polocrosse, Archery and Aerobics. The proximity to the Dublin Hills creates wonderful opportunity for outward bound activities and in summer students make use of the outdoor swimming pool.

Fees per annum (2019 to 2020)

Day Pupils €8,654 (includes lunch and two snacks);

Day Boarding €11,474 (includes lunch, supper and two snacks)

Boarding from €19,956 to €28,742 (includes all tuition, meals and accommodation)

The above fees are expressed in Euros. Fees may be paid in the Sterling equivalent.

Visiting the College. Individual visits are welcomed throughout the year. These can be arranged by contacting the Head of Admissions, Amanda Morris on 014906791 or e-mailing admissions@stcolumbas.ie. Our Open Day for all entrants is on Saturday, 28th September 2019. Further details are available from the admissions office.

Contact Details

Kilmashogue Lane, Whitechurch, Dublin D16 CH92, Ireland

Tel:            00 353 1 490 6791          

Email:        admin@stcolumbas.ie

Website:   www.stcolumbas.ie