Prices and Costs: School Year at Irish Boarding Schools
We offer three ways to experience a full academic year in Ireland, each with its own advantages. All our programmes include full guardian service, local support, and year-round follow-up.
Choose Your Programme
Three options to match your preferences and budget
Public School + Host Family
Full immersion at the best price
per full academic year
See DetailsPrivate Day School + Host Family
Better facilities with family life
per full academic year
See DetailsBoarding School
Premium all-inclusive experience
per full academic year
See DetailsIncluded in All Our Programmes
No matter which option you choose, all our programmes include:
Public School + Host Family
Real Irish experience at state schools with local families
Full academic year - Guardian and support included
Public (state) schools offer an authentic Irish education experience. Your child will study alongside local Irish students in a real community school, while living with a carefully selected host family. This is where genuine immersion happens.
Advantages
- Maximum immersion: Study with real Irish students, not other internationals
- Best value: State schools have no tuition fees for EU students
- Family experience: Live with a local family and experience real Irish culture
- Language improvement: Constant English exposure at school and home
- Community integration: Become part of a local Irish community
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Limited places: State schools have limited spots for international students - early application essential
- Less supervision: More independence required than boarding schools
Ideal For
Adaptable students aged 14-17 who want genuine Irish immersion, are reasonably independent, and whose families value authentic cultural experience over premium facilities.
Private Day School + Host Family
Premium education combined with family immersion
Full academic year - Guardian and support included
Private day schools offer excellent facilities, smaller class sizes, and often additional academic support. Combined with host family accommodation, students get the best of both worlds: a high-quality education and authentic Irish family life.
Advantages
- Better facilities: Modern buildings, labs, sports facilities, and resources
- Smaller classes: More individual attention from teachers
- Family experience: Live with a local family for cultural immersion
- Academic support: Often includes additional English language support
- Wider choice: More schools available than public option
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Higher cost: Tuition fees add significantly to the programme cost
- Mixed immersion: Some private schools have more international students
Ideal For
Families who want premium education combined with authentic family life. Good for students who benefit from smaller class sizes and additional academic support.
Boarding School
Full supervision in a structured campus environment
Full academic year - Guardian and support included
Boarding schools provide a complete, supervised environment where students live on campus. This premium option is ideal for families who want maximum structure and 24/7 professional supervision. Students live in a "bubble" with constant support.
Advantages
- Full supervision: 24/7 professional staff on campus
- Structured environment: Clear schedules, study times, and routines
- Premium facilities: Top-tier sports, arts, and academic resources
- Safe environment: Controlled "bubble" environment with constant oversight
- All-inclusive: Accommodation and meals on campus
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Highest cost: Premium option with premium pricing
- Less cultural immersion: Living on campus means less exposure to Irish family life
- More international students: Boarding schools attract students from many countries
Ideal For
Families who prioritise safety and structure above all else. Perfect for younger students or those who benefit from constant supervision and a predictable routine.
Our Host Family Guarantee
For our host family programmes (Public and Private Day schools), we take family selection very seriously. Your child's wellbeing is our top priority.
✓ Carefully Vetted
All families undergo thorough background checks, interviews, and home inspections before acceptance.
✓ Personally Visited
We visit every host family home in person. We know them, not just their application forms.
✓ Change Guarantee
If for any reason the family isn't working out, we guarantee to find an alternative placement at no extra cost.
Compare Options
| Public School | Private Day | Boarding | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | €14,500-16,000 | €21,000-42,000 | €26,000-55,000 |
| Accommodation | Host Family | Host Family | On Campus |
| Cultural Immersion | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Supervision Level | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| School Facilities | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Availability | Limited | Available | Available |
| Best For | Budget-conscious families wanting authentic immersion | Families wanting quality education + family life | Families prioritising structure and supervision |
Additional Costs (Not Included)
The following costs are not included in any programme and are paid directly:
| Concept | Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | €300 - €800 | Depends on season and airport |
| School uniform | €200 - €500 | May be a one-time cost if reused |
| Books and school supplies | €100 - €300 | Per year |
| Pocket Money | ~€50/week | Recommended weekly allowance for personal expenses |
Ready to Start?
Contact us for a personalised consultation. We'll help you choose the best option for your child and answer all your questions.
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