Choosing the right secondary school is critical for a student's academic future, personal growth, and path to higher education. Ireland's education system is globally recognised for its quality and accessibility, with parents and students alike placing more importance than ever on selecting the right school for academic and holistic development. Here, we'll explore the best public and private secondary schools in Ireland.
| School Name | County | Gender | Type | Third-Level Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga College | Dublin | Boys | Private | Near 100% |
| Coláiste Íosagáin | Dublin | Girls | Public | High |
| Nord Anglia International School | Dublin | Mixed | Private | Very High |
| St. Louis High School | Dublin | Girls | Public | High |
| St. Michael's College | Dublin | Boys | Private | High |
| The Teresian School | Dublin | Girls | Private | High |
| De La Salle College | Waterford | Boys | Public | High |
| Waterpark College | Waterford | Mixed | Public | High |
| Presentation Secondary School | Waterford | Girls | Public | High |
| Coláiste Iognáid | Galway | Mixed | Public | High |
| Salerno Secondary School | Galway | Girls | Public | Near 100% |
| St Joseph's Patrician College (The Bish) | Galway | Boys | Public | High |
| Coláiste Ghobnait | Galway | Mixed | Public | Near 100% |
| Coláiste na Coiribe | Galway | Mixed | Public | Near 100% |
| Christian Brothers College (CBC) | Cork | Boys | Private | Very High |
| Presentation Brothers College | Cork | Boys | Private | Very High |
| Scoil Mhuire | Cork | Girls | Private | High |
| St. Angela's College | Cork | Girls | Private | High |
| Castletroy College | Limerick | Mixed | Public | High |
| Crescent College Comprehensive | Limerick | Mixed | Private | Very High |
| Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ | Limerick | Girls | Public | Top National Ranking |
| Ardscoil Rís | Limerick | Boys | Public | Top National Ranking |
How Ireland’s Secondary School System Works
There has always been an awful lot of emphasis put on secondary school education here in Ireland.
We’ll begin by looking at the reason for this, providing a background into the structure of the secondary school education system and the associated assessments and then delve into the top schooling options on offer across the island.
You can divide the learning into two stages, the Junior Certificate cycle and the Leaving Certificate cycle.
Junior Certificate (now Junior Cycle): 3 years (ages ~12–15)
Leaving Certificate: 2 years (ages ~16–18)
Assessment: Mostly final exams, with some continuous assessment and project work
Purpose: Prepares students for third-level (college/university) or trades
The former is a three-year course that introduces students to the fundamentals of core subjects, along with some optional subjects, while the latter is a two-year course that offers more choice and provides greater detail.
This stage of education is designed to provide students with a robust academic foundation and develop their personality, talents, and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential.
The courses are predominantly assessed through a final exam at the end of the respective cycle. There are, however, some subjects that incorporate components of continuous assessment, oral exams, and project work that students will complete throughout their education, which helps ease some of the pressure on students.
Nonetheless, secondary school education in Ireland is often stressful, and it plays a significant role in determining what a student can study at university.
For this reason, it is essential to ensure that you set yourself up for success and select an accredited school to study at and enjoy Ireland's school holiday breaks.
Secondary school education in Ireland is on a promising trajectory, ranking highly across a wide variety of subjects.
between 2011 and 2021.
This speaks volumes about the quality of education provided both publicly and privately on the island. Selecting a school can be quite a challenging decision, especially with the wide variety of schools available all across the country.
With an average student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1, you can also rest assured that you will get a personalised learning experience at the secondary school that you decide to study at.
This article aims to assist you in making this choice by providing a review of the top-tier secondary institutions in Ireland. Our focus extends beyond achievements to encompass other vital aspects, such as the school environment, extracurricular activities, and student support services.
Secondary schools in Ireland are categorised into public (state-funded) and private (fee-paying) institutions.
While public schools usually have student populations and offer a curriculum, private schools often provide a more personalised learning experience along with additional resources.
Regardless of their classification, every school endeavours to deliver high-quality education that caters to the needs of its students.
Nearly 8 out of 10 Leaving Certificate students in Ireland go on to pursue higher education, showing the strength of the country’s secondary school system.
of students progress from Leaving Cert to higher education.
Top Secondary Schools in Dublin
Dublin, being the capital city, is home to several of the top secondary schools in Ireland. These schools consistently achieve excellent academic results and are renowned for their comprehensive educational programmes.
- Academic results (Leaving Cert and progression rates)
- Student support services and wellbeing
- Extracurricular opportunities (sports, music, drama, clubs)
- University placement rates
- School ethos and reputation in the community
Gonzaga College, a fee-paying boys' school, is consistently among the top performers. With a near-perfect progression rate to third-level education, it demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development.
Similarly, Coláiste Íosagáin is a free-to-attend girls' school that stands out for its impressive Leaving Certificate results and nurturing learning environment.
If you are setting your sights high and have the intention of joining Dublin's highest-ranking schools, then Nord Anglia International School is your best bet, according to the most recent Private school rankings.
Alternatively, if you are more attracted to learning in public school,s then St. Louis High School Rathmines is your best bet.
Both of these secondary schools have maintained their spots in the top-ranked schools in Dublin for some years now, and you can rest assured that your academic goals are in good hands.
However, ranking should not overshadow other important factors such as school culture and extracurricular offerings.
Schools like St. Michael's College and The Teresian School, despite being smaller in size, are renowned for their strong sense of community and diverse range of activities beyond the classroom.
Make sure you have considered the right factors when deciding on a school in Dublin.
Leading Secondary Schools in Waterford
Waterford offers excellent options for secondary schools. Each year, plenty of students from bordering counties travel to Waterford for the quality education that is on offer.
Just a short glance at the rankings for the secondary schools that earn the highest Leaving Certificate grades will show you several schools in the Waterford area.
Heading towards the south in Waterford, there are a few schools worth mentioning. De La Salle College is a boys' school renowned for its comprehensive curriculum and diverse extracurricular offerings.
Similarly, Waterpark College is an educational institution that consistently achieves impressive academic results with a particular focus on science and technology.
For girls who are seeking a top-notch education, the Presentation Secondary School stands out. This esteemed school not only excels academically but also prioritises the well-being and care of its students. Additionally, it offers a range of activities, including sports, drama, and music.
You can eliminate a lot of unnecessary stress by putting your faith in the right school. Make sure you find the right school in Waterford!
Best Performing Schools in Galway
Galway is without question a county where educational resources are in abundance. With GMIT and NUIG, two of the island’s leading third-level educational institutions in the area, students have a whole lot to aspire towards academically.
In Galway, the top secondary schools continue to raise the bar of educational excellence. Coláiste Iognáid, a mixed Jesuit school, consistently ranks highly due to its impressive academic record and commitment to holistic education.
Similarly, Salerno Secondary School, a girls-only Catholic school, is known for its innovative learning approaches and vibrant school culture.
For boys, St Joseph's Patrician College, also known as "The Bish", is a top choice. This school is renowned for its strong emphasis on science and maths, impressive academic results and outstanding sports programme.
Choose from the best schools in Galway and head into your exams with confidence, knowing that you are prepared to achieve.
After studying the rankings in the county, you will see that the range of the Third-Level Placement Rates is extremely promising. Coláiste Ghobnait, Salerno Secondary School, and Coláiste na Coiribe all send close to 100% of their students to college.
If you were to enrol in any of the above schools, you would have a significant likelihood of going on to study at third-level.
Of course, a lot of work will be required, and there are no shortcuts to achieving a high score in the Leaving Cert exams, though studying at one of these schools will make the process an awful lot easier.
Top Secondary Schools in Cork
Many natives consider Cork to be the rightful capital of Ireland, and when it comes to the quality of education that is provided, it certainly makes a strong case.
Christian Brothers College (CBC) and Presentation Brothers College are both boys' schools that consistently rank among the top schools. They are highly regarded for their academic rigour, comprehensive sports programmes and supportive learning environments.
CBC is one of the oldest schools in the county, having built a reputation for its excellence and holistic approach to education.
Since its founding in 1888, CBC has been dedicated to offering a rounded curriculum and a wide range of activities, ensuring that students are prepared not only for higher education but also for success beyond the classroom.
For girls, Scoil Mhuire and St. Angela's College are consistently among the best-performing schools in the region. Both schools combine excellent academic results with a wide variety of extracurricular activities and a strong focus on student wellbeing.
If you decide to enrol in a secondary school based in the county, then you will also benefit from the many resources that the county offers. Whether it's a quiet workspace to retreat to in a public library or the abundance of tutors offering grinds across the county, you’re education will undoubtedly be in the right hands.
There are some exemplary options for students looking for a top school in Cork to study at.
From examining the rankings of the top secondary schools in the county, you will see that the rate of entry to third-level education has a range of just 21%.
This demonstrates the high performance of these schools in Cork, with the 10th-ranked school sending over 70% of its students to university.
It is also worth noting that this statistic does not account for students who have no intention of pursuing further education or entering skill-based trades after their Leaving Cert. The actual rate of graduates who seek a college education is likely to be even higher than this!
High-Achieving Schools in Limerick
Limerick has always taken great pride in its educational institutions. This is true at both second and third-level where secondary schools and colleges continue to triumph across all categories.
With prestigious institutions such as the University of Limerick giving students plenty to set their sights on, many schools across the county act as feeder schools, readying students each year.
Castletroy College, a mixed secondary school,l is often praised for its innovative use of technology in education and consistently high Leaving Certificate results.
Crescent College Comprehensive, a Jesuit institution, is another top performer recognised for its academic and sporting excellence.
Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ is an all-Irish girls' secondary school that regularly tops the national rankings. It is renowned for its academic excellence, diverse extracurricular offerings and supportive learning environment.
Knowing what to look for is half the battle when selecting the optimal choice for you. Make sure to have a look at the strongest-performing schools in Limerick.
By looking at the Third-level placement rate of each of the top secondary schools listed in our Limerick ranking, we can see that by choosing any of the above schools, you will be putting yourself in good hands when it comes to securing a place in university.
Ardscoil Rís routinely claims the top spot when it comes to the top-ranked secondary schools in the country.
The secondary school sweeps the charts with excellent scores across the more competitive core subjects of English and Maths. It consistently earns a State Overall score of 100.
How to Choose the Right Secondary School in Ireland
Choosing the right school is a decision that can greatly impact a student's future. It's essential to consider factors such as educational opportunities, the school environment, and extracurricular activities.
By considering these aspects, you'll be able to find a school that perfectly aligns with your needs and aspirations.
- Visit the school in person (open days or virtual tours)
- Look at recent exam performance and extracurriculars
- Consider commute, facilities, language of instruction
- Talk to current students or parents
- Don’t just follow rankings. Follow your instincts, too
In this review of schools in Ireland, we've explored institutions across different regions.
However, it's crucial to remember that what defines a 'best' school is subjective and depends on what matters to you and your child.
Whether it's exam preparation, understanding concepts, or simply staying ahead in class, Superprof can provide the guidance you need.
The Leaving Cert is a valuable life lesson. If you want something, you need to work hard to get it.
Caoimhín De Barra, Assistant Professor of Irish History & Culture
Stay ahead with current insights on how the Leaving Cert is evolving. This video explains the government's plan to phase out pandemic-era grading adjustments and why it matters to you.
As you search for the fit, take the time to explore options, ask questions and trust your instincts. Ultimately, the best school is one where you or your child can thrive both academically and personally.
What Makes a School the Right Fit
Exam results and third-level progression rates are undoubtedly essential factors in choosing a school, but the school's culture, ethos, values, and daily student experience are also key to ensuring that students develop both academically and personally.
Ireland's top schools are typically shaped by their founding principles. Take Jesuit and Catholic schools, for example, which emphasise service, character development, and moral education. Secular schools may focus more on pluralism and independent support, while DEIS schools provide additional support to communities facing the most significant educational disadvantages.
Then there's a school's "feel". Visiting a school, attending an open day, and reading its mission statement can help you understand what the school is really about. What's right for one student isn't necessarily a good fit for another.
The best-ranked mightn't be the best school if the environment is detrimental to the student. A student might feel more motivated in a lower-ranked school with the right environment.
Complement the Best Schools with a Private Tutor
To enhance your journey and achieve your goals, you might want to consider supplementing your school education by seeking assistance from Superprof tutors.
Superprof offers a range of tutors specialised in subjects, ensuring that you can find the perfect match for your specific learning requirements.
With most tutors offering the first session for free, you can always try several options out before choosing the one that's right for you, something you can't always do with schools.
This can also help you to make an easier choice for schools, knowing you can always make up for any of the school's drawbacks by hiring a tutor to make up for them.
Just search for the subjects or skills you need tutoring in on the Superprof website today!
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
