uk boarding applications
Looking for an Irish boarding school with UK-level excellence and no VAT?
The King’s Hospital School is a co-educational community combining strong academics, sport, and pastoral care — only 25 minutes from Dublin Airport.
Founded in 1669, we are one of Ireland’s oldest and most respected boarding schools. With full and weekly boarding options, our students benefit from a structured, supportive, and active environment; balancing academic ambition with time for sport, music, downtime, and friendship, all while encouraging curiosity and growth at every stage.
- Over 350 years of tradition
- Excellent Leaving Cert results and college progression
- Modern boarding houses with live-in staff
- Sport, arts, music, and enrichment programs
- Just 25 minutes from Dublin Airport with easy links by road, bus and rail.
Affordable Fees for UK Families
Ireland’s subsidised education system allows us to offer a world-class education and premium facilities at less than half the cost of UK independent boarding schools.
€27,760
€60, 000
2025/26 Seven-Day annual Boarding Fee (UK or EU Passport) at KH
2025/26 Avg Seven-Day Annual Boarding Fee for UK Boarding Schools (incl. VAT)
2025/26 Seven-Day Annual Boarding Fee for Irish Passport Holders: €21,345
The Structure of Irish Secondary Education
Irish secondary education provides a robust, structured program, that mirrors the academic rigour of UK education, but with a more balanced and holistic approach.
Junior Cycle (Forms 1-3)
Transition Year (Form 4)
Senior Cycle (Forms 5-6)
Learn more about Junior Cycle
The Irish Junior Cycle program has evolved to create a more comprehensive, continuous assessment framework for students aged approximately 12 to 15. This three-year program culminates in the Junior Certificate examination, similar to the UK’s GCSEs. However, the Junior Cycle now incorporates Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) alongside final exams, allowing students to engage in ongoing, project-based learning throughout the course.
CBAs emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity by evaluating students’ skills through diverse, hands-on projects and presentations. These assessments provide feedback beyond traditional grading, giving a fuller picture of each student’s progress and abilities. This balanced approach combines CBAs with the state exams at the end of the three years, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and holistic development, making the Junior Cycle one of the more progressive educational programs in Europe.
Learn more about TY
A year of personal and academic growth through volunteering, project work, and hands-on experiences like the Gaisce Award, comparable to the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
An especially unique feature of the Irish education system is the Transition Year (TY) between Junior and Leaving Certificates. This innovative program emphasizes self-development, community engagement, and experiential learning.
This Leaving Cert Foundation Year includes projects, life skills, business initiatives, work experience, and cultural exploration, which fosters independence and resilience. Internationally, this model is increasingly seen as a benchmark for preparing students for higher education and life beyond academics.
Learn more about Senior Cycle
The Leaving Certificate program is the final phase of Irish secondary education, completed over two years by students typically aged 16 to 18. It is known for its broad academic scope, where students study seven to eight subjects at either higher or ordinary levels, culminating in rigorous final exams.
Unlike systems that focus on early specialization, the Leaving Cert offers a balanced curriculum across humanities, sciences, and practical subjects, preparing students for diverse university paths.
In recent years, the Leaving Cert has also incorporated School-Based Assessments (SBAs) in some subjects, like oral exams in languages and practical evaluations in science and art, alongside traditional written exams. This approach gives students a fuller assessment of their skills and knowledge, recognising diverse talents and learning styles. The program’s structure also closely aligns with the International Baccalaureate (IB) and is compatible with points-based university entry systems, making it both internationally respected and accessible for students aiming to study abroad.
Outstanding Academic Record
| Applied Maths | Agricultural Science | Home Economics |
| Physics | Biology | Chemistry |
| Applied Technology | History | Geography |
| Business | Accounting | Economics |
| Art | Design and Computer Graphics | Music |
| Religious Education | Politics & Society | Physical Education |
Enrichment Programs
- Competitive Sports: Rugby, hockey, athletics, and more.
- Music & Arts: Performances in our 300-seat theatre, including jazz band, orchestra, and drama productions.
- Student Clubs: Diverse clubs that promote leadership and community engagement.
Download Our Brochure Here and Our SPACE Schedule Here
“Transitioning from the UK A-Level system to the Irish Leaving Certificate program has been such a positive experience. In the UK, focusing on just three subjects meant long, intense double periods that made the school day feel endless. Here, studying up to eight subjects makes the timetable so much more diverse and engaging. I especially love the half day on Wednesdays—it’s the perfect opportunity to play sports, participate in extracurricular activities, and spend quality downtime with other students.
Boarding life has been a pleasant surprise. The food is great, the structure is balanced with plenty of choices, and sharing a room has helped me build strong friendships. The level of pastoral care here is amazing—all the staff are genuinely invested in our well-being, which makes you feel so supported. Study groups with other students have also made preparing for exams enjoyable, and I feel I’ll be much better prepared for university thanks to the breadth of the curriculum and the skills I’m developing.
Growing up in the UK, I only connected with my Irish roots during holidays, but living here has brought me closer to my heritage. Surprisingly, my trips back to London are quick and convenient—Dublin Airport is just 20 minutes away, and flights are under an hour. It’s easier than some of my classmates traveling to Irish towns! The King’s Hospital School has truly given me a well-rounded, fulfilling experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
ERIN
UK Student
A Vibrant Boarding Experience
Boarders at The King’s Hospital School experience a warm, supportive community that nurtures independence. Our full weekend programs immerse students in Ireland’s welcoming culture.
Visit us
Upcoming Boarding Open Mornings:
Wednesday, October 15 | 10am–2pm (Form 1 2026 only)
Thursday, November 20 | 10am–12pm (TBC)
Tuesday, January 27 | 10am–12pm
Thursday, March 26 | 10am–12pm
Tour our boarding houses Meet staff, students, and current boarders Experience life on our beautiful 80-acre campus
Prefer a Private Tour?
Book a weekday visit tailored to your family’s schedule.
Email: khadmissions@thekingshospital.ie
Phone: +353 1 643-6564
