Boarding School Life in Ireland

Published: January 2025

Specific Guides

General Information

Mornings: Wake Up and Breakfast

The day typically begins early, around 7:00 AM. Students wake up in their dormitories (which can be single, double or shared with 3-4 students, depending on the school). After washing and dressing in school uniform, everyone heads to the dining hall for breakfast, which is usually between 7:30 and 8:00 AM.

Breakfast at Irish boarding schools is typically full: cereals, toast, fruit, and hot options like eggs, bacon or sausages. It is an important social moment where students gather and chat before starting classes.

Class Schedule

Classes generally begin at 9:00 AM and end around 3:30 or 4:00 PM, with breaks for mid-morning recess and lunch. The Irish system divides the day into periods of approximately 40-50 minutes each.

Typical subjects include:

• Compulsory subjects: English, Mathematics, History, Geography, Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), and a modern language (French, German, Spanish)
• Optional subjects: Music, Art, Economics, Computer Science, Physical Education, and more

Irish boarding schools have smaller classes than public schools, typically between 15-20 students per class, which allows for more individualised attention.

Lunch and Free Time

Lunch is served in the school dining hall, generally between 12:30 and 1:30 PM. After lunch, students have free time to socialize, play sports, or simply relax before continuing with afternoon classes.

Afternoons: Extracurricular Activities

After classes, which usually end around 4:00 PM, extracurricular activity time begins. This is one of the most valued aspects of boarding school life:

• Traditional Irish Sports: Full access to sports facilities and included activities
• Arts and Creative Activities: Music lessons, theater productions, art clubs, debate societies, and more
• Academic clubs: Math, science, language, history clubs and more
• Social activities: Events organised by Houses and recreational activities

Supervised Study and Homework

After activities, generally between 6:00 and 7:00 PM, there is a period of supervised study. Students do their homework and study in libraries or study rooms, with supervision from teachers or tutors. This ensures everyone dedicates adequate time to academic work.

Dinner and Leisure Time

Dinner is typically served between 6:30 and 7:30 PM. After dinner, students have free time to socialize, participate in recreational activities, or simply relax. Many boarding schools have common rooms with television, board games, and areas for socializing.

Bedtime

Bedtimes vary according to age:

• Younger students (13-14 years old): Generally between 9:30 and 10:00 PM
• Intermediate students (15-16 years old): Between 10:00 and 10:30 PM
• Older students More flexibility and responsibility for 17-18 year old students

Weekly Structure

Monday to Friday: School Days

The typical school week runs Monday to Friday, with the schedule described above. Saturdays may vary: some schools have classes on Saturday mornings, while others reserve Saturdays for sports and activities.

Weekends

Weekends at Irish boarding schools are more relaxed but structured:

• Saturdays: Sports matches, excursions, special activities, or free time to relax
• Sundays Generally quieter, with time for studying and religious activities

Many boarding schools organise weekend excursions to places of historical, cultural, or natural interest in Ireland.

Accommodation and Community Living

Dormitories

Dormitories vary according to the school:

• Single rooms More common in higher prestige schools
• Double rooms: Sharing with another student
• Shared rooms For 3-4 students, more common in traditional schools

Rooms have

The "Houses" System

Houses System

Living with International Students

Irish boarding schools usually have a mix of Irish and international students. This creates a multicultural environment where your child will not only learn English, but will also meet students from other countries, broadening their global perspective.

Nutrition and Meals

All meals provided

• Breakfast: Full and varied
• Lunch: Hot food and healthy options
• Dinner and Leisure Time: Main meal of the day, served between 6:30 and 7:30 PM
• Snacks: Available throughout the day

Dietary accommodations

Discipline and Rules

Boarding schools have clear and consistent rules:

• Mandatory attendance
• Respect towards teachers, staff and other students
• Appropriate use of technology (many schools have policies on mobile phones)
• Sleep and wake times
• Mandatory uniform

Consequences for breaking rules may include additional tasks, privilege restrictions, or in serious cases, meetings with parents and possible expulsion.

Academic and Personal Support

Support levels

• Personal tutors: Each student has a tutor who supervises their academic and personal progress
• English support Additional English as a second language classes if needed
• Counseling: Available for students who need emotional or personal support
• Academic support Personal tutors and counseling available

Vacations and Permissions

The Irish academic year has three terms with vacations between them:

• Autumn Term September to December (Christmas holidays)
• Spring Term: January to March (Easter holidays)
• Summer Term: April to June (summer holidays)

During vacations, students generally return home. Boarding schools may also allow parent visits during the year, with prior coordination.

Boarding School Advantages

Boarding schools offer specific advantages:

• Structure Clear routine that reduces anxiety
• Community Surrounded by peers in similar situations
• Complete facilities: Access to libraries, laboratories, sports facilities, and more, all in the same place
• Professional supervision: Trained staff available 24/7 for academic and personal support
• Fewer variables More predictable and structured experience

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Missing home: It's normal, especially at first. Boarding schools have trained staff to help with this
• Adjusting to new rules: It may take time to get used to the structure, but most students adapt well
• Academic level: It may be more demanding than at home. Support is available
• Language: At first it can be overwhelming, but total immersion accelerates learning

Conclusion

Life at an Irish boarding school is structured, enriching and offers unique opportunities for personal and academic growth.

Learn more about boarding school life