Boarding School for Girls in Dublin, Ireland

Rathdown School for Girls, Dublin:
Rathdown School is a private day and boarding girls' school located in Glenageary in south county Dublin, on the east coast of Ireland. We provide 5-day and 7-day boarding for 12-18 year olds in our senior school where we offer Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate curriculum programmes. Being a boarding school and welcoming students of all nationalities, helps to promote an awareness of cultural diversity in our community where mutual understanding and respect prevail, and we aim to generate tolerance for and recognition of the value of difference. Our academic achievements are outstanding by any measure and the vast majority of our pupils continue to 3rd level education in Ireland and abroad.

We have a rich heritage and ambitious, exciting plans for the future. Founded in 1973, Rathdown was built on the proud traditions of four original schools: The Hall School, Hillcourt School, Park House School and Glengara Park School.

Rathdown currently has around 600 girls enrolled - 400 in the Senior School (25% of whom are boarders) and 200 in the Junior School. Class sizes rarely exceed 25, so it is possible to give individual attention and to develop the special abilities and interests of each student.

The school enjoys a superb location and setting. The 16 acre site is set back from the road on a hill overlooking the sea and with inland views of the Wicklow mountains.

We are committed to providing an education of the highest standard, so that our students develop the skills and character to do well in State Examinations and more importantly, become life-long learners who are successful, responsible and active citizens of the global community.

We believe that each student is unique and should be valued for herself. In Rathdown, pupils are encouraged and nurtured to achieve their individual potential in all aspects of their lives; academic, sporting, artistic and spiritual.

Our highly qualified and dedicated staff are committed to the holistic development of each student.

Rathdown School is under Protestant management, nurturing and developing the Christian faith. It welcomes and respects members of different faiths in the school’s spiritual and worshipping life.

Our Philosophy:
Our aim is to offer a high-quality, modern, challenging and liberal education. In an inclusive and friendly environment, Rathdown School hopes to foster a love of learning which will enable each student to develop her own unique potential.

Our purpose is to support and promote the student’s academic, cultural, sporting, creative, musical and spiritual capabilities.

In a community of mutual respect, ideals of good citizenship prepare our students to leave Rathdown, not only as confident mature women in their own right, but also as women able and willing to make a contribution to their society.

Boarding for Senior School Students:
We provide five day and seven day boarding for girls ages 12-18 years (Irish and overseas students), in our senior school which offers Junior and Leaving Certificate Programs.

- We also offer an extensive range of pastoral, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities which allows our girls to develop as whole people.

Rathdown School provides five day and seven day boarding for girls. Boarding Houses are open at weekends during term time (with the exception of Bank Holiday weekends). Many of our girls choose to go home on Fridays after school and return by 8p.m. on Sunday evening.

Those playing sports or other pursuits stay on Saturdays and/or Sundays. Overseas pupils remain in our Boarding Houses or go to their Host Families who act ‘in loco-parentis’ during exeats at weekends during term time.

Activities and outings are organized on Saturday afternoons and a movie is usually shown after supper on Saturday evenings. Every month the boarders enjoy a day trip such as the steam train to Mullingar, visit to the Newbridge Museum and National Stud, Ice skating and a trip to the Panto to name but a few.

Numerous Social Evenings are scheduled during term times – the highlights being the Halloween Fancy Dress Party and the formal Boarders Christmas Dinner. There are no compulsory weekends during which pupils must remain in the Boarding Houses throughout the academic year.

Rathdown School has an outstanding tradition of ‘Sport for All’. There is a large afterschool programme available to students. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of games at all levels, with First Years obliged to choose at least one team sport from those on offer. 

The students are encouraged to represent the school in a number of sports at various levels. To date, our students have successfully competed at local, provincial, national and international level.

An activity list and practice schedule is posted on the sports board at the start of every term. Matches are always posted on the boards well in advance in order to accommodate the Boarders and their travel arrangements for weekends. The sports on offer in our school are hockey, basketball, cross country, tennis, athletics, cricket, fitness, hip hop, badminton, golf, horse riding, handball. 

Rathdown has excellent sporting facilities. These include: a fully equipped sports hall, a floodlit, astroturf hockey pitch, an all weather hockey pitch, tennis courts, a tartan cricket crease, a 200m grass running track and extensive athletic facilities.

"I am a Junior Boarder. At weekends I go horse riding and I ride Robbie. He is a very nice horse and I have great fun on Saturday." 
- Sophie Kind (Sixth Class) – England

"I will never forget my time here. I learnt so much and experienced so many new things."
- Isabelle Andree (Sixth Year Student) – Germany

"We really enjoyed the trips for international students. It allowed us to see and learn all about Ireland as well as create bonds." 
- Daria Moleva (Third Year Student) – Russia

"The teachers at Rathdown are very helpful and explain when you don’t understand anything, they make you feel welcome." 
- Ana Paula (Fourth Year Student) – Mexico

"Every member of the boarding staff knew our daughters very well. They have been cared for, minded, encouraged, heard and valued."
- Nicky Browne (Fifth Year Parent) - Ireland

"She has enjoyed herself immensely and at the same time progressed academically. It has been a great experience. It has been great at all levels." 
- Ruth Cosgrove (Second Year Parent) – Ireland/ Spain

"I believe that part of her heart is still there and will stay there forever."
- Mrs. Guemez (Second Year Parent) – Mexico

"When I visited the school before signing up I had the impression that Rathdown is very caring and has a friendly atmosphere. This impression has been confirmed in every way." 
- Corina Rohlfs (First Year Parent) – Germany