Fees for private schools jump as enrolments return to boom-time high

Rising demand for private school places has seen fees increase significantly this year, latest figures show.

Two out of three private schools in the State increased their fees this year by up to 10 per cent or more, with the most expensive schools now charging up to €8,600 a year for day pupils and more than €20,000 a year for boarding.

Latest enrolment figures show pupil numbers in the sector have rebounded to levels last seen during the economic boom.

An Irish Times survey shows the most expensive school for day pupils is St Columba’s College in Dublin 16, which charges €8,654 a year.

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It is followed by Sutton Park School, Dublin 13 (€7,995), Alexandra College, Dublin 6 (€7,534), St Gerard's, Bray, Co Wicklow (€7,420), the King's Hospital in Palmerstown, Dublin (€7,330) and Cistercian College, Co Tipperary (€7,250).

We're seeing demand growing. We're overflowing with applications and turning parents away

The warden of St Columba's, Mark Boobbyer, said the school was "slightly" more expensive than others due to its smaller pupil-teacher ratios and the inclusion of school meals and evening study in charges for day pupils.

He said demand is growing for places among “gridlock” parents who want to be able to ensure their children can learn, study and take part in sport in a single place.

“We’re seeing demand growing; it’s massively up for day pupils. We’re overflowing with applications and turning parents away,” said Mr Boobbyer.

Seven-day boarders

For boarders, the most expensive school in the State is also St Columba’s, which charges up to €23,952 for seven-day boarders.

It is followed by Clongowes Wood College, Co Kildare (€20,920), Blackrock College, Dublin (€19,450), Glenstal Abbey, Co Limerick (€19,300) and Alexandra College (€18,986).

In all, more than 30 of the 50 private schools have increased their fees this year by anywhere between 1 and 11 per cent.

Latest official enrolment statistics for the 2018-19 academic year show numbers attending private schools climbed to more than 25,600 pupils, up by almost 500 on the previous year.

Boarding and international schools report significant growth in demand from families based overseas or relocating to the Dublin area.

While schools say most demand is from American and European families working in the tech sector, they note rising interest from Asian countries such as China, India and Korea.

Nord Anglia, based in Leopardstown, is the most expensive international school and charges day pupil fees of up to €25,000.

It is aimed mainly at the children of mobile executives and teaches children the International Baccalaureate (IB) rather than the State curriculum.

The qualification is recognised worldwide and culminates in a two-year diploma, equivalent to the Leaving Cert.

Hotting up

The school is operated by a Hong Kong-based firm which runs international schools across the globe, and is backed by businessman Barry O'Callaghan's firm Rise Global.

Competition in this sector is hotting up with the expansion of SEK Dublin, an international school based between Bray and Greystones, Co Wicklow.

The school is to grow from 100 pupils to 240 over the next five years and is targeting international families, as well as Irish families who want a different education experience for their children.

It is due to charge fees of between €15,000 and €18,000 a year for day pupils, though there will be a discount of between 10 and 20 per cent for families based in Ireland.

Chris Charleson, director of SEK International Schools, said: "Dublin is an international city with a vibrant and growing multinational community, many of whom are familiar with the International Baccalaureate and the opportunities it offers students."