Private School for Girls in the South Dublin Area

Rathdown School for Girls:
Rathdown School is a private day and boarding girls' school located on Upper Glenageary Road in Glenageary, just south of Dun Laoghaire in Dublin. We consist of a Junior School for girls ages 3-12 years and a Senior School for girls ages 12-18 years. A pupil’s name may be entered for the school at any time, although early application is advised. Our academic achievements are outstanding by any measure and the vast majority of our pupils continue to 3rd level education in Ireland and abroad. In Rathdown, pupils are encouraged and nurtured to achieve their individual potential in all aspects of their lives; academic, sporting, artistic and spiritual.

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 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. Rathdown School has a rich heritage and ambitious, exciting plans for the future.

Ethos Statement:
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.

- Provide a life-long enjoyment of learning.
- View each pupil as an individual.
- Recognise the unique differences amongst individuals.

Quality Education:
Our academic achievements are outstanding by any measure and the vast majority of our pupils continue to 3rd level education in Ireland and abroad.

Our highly qualified and dedicated staff are committed to the holistic development of each student. We aim to offer a high-quality, modern, challenging and liberal education.

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.

Our Junior School starts at pre-school age (3 years) up to P6 (12 years). A challenging and child-centred learning environment which meets the needs of every student.

- Extended day programme (all year round)
- Camp Rathdown (during school holidays)

Senior School:
This is a secondary school for girls ages 12-18 years offering Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate Programmes. We also provide boarding for senior school students (Irish and international students).

Additional Activities:
- We provide an extensive range of pastoral, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities which allows our girls to develop as whole people.

In Rathdown School, sport plays a major role. This is evident with the large afterschool programme available to students. We provide a variety of games at all levels, with First Years obliged to choose at least one team sport.

Students are encouraged to represent the school in sports at various levels. Our students have successfully competed at local, provincial, national and international level.

Students can choose from a wide range of sports including athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cross country, fitness, handball, hip-hop, hockey, horse-riding, golf and tennis.

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

"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 

"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

"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