Ireland’s most expensive private school set to open next year

A new school, to be based in Leopardstown in south Dublin, is set to be one of the most expensive private schools in Ireland when it opens in September 2018.

The school, which will cater for up to 800 students, will be based in a former €20 million Microsoft office block in South County Business Park, near Leopardstown racecourse. The Hong Kong-based company behind the new school, Nord Anglia Education, announced plans on Friday to develop the education facility in partnership with investor Barry O’Callaghan. The world-class campus is expected to open next year. The firm, who describe themselves as "the world's leading premium schools organisation" say that the international school will "provide a premium international education to local and expatriate students from 3 to 18 years old." Aimed at children of multinational business people and expected to attract interest from Brexit ex-pats, the school will comprise an 800 seat campus according to the owners,

"We will remodel the existing site over the next 18 months to create an impressive learning environment for students. The campus will feature extensive facilities, including specialist arts and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) facilities. Students at our new international school in Dublin will benefit from our high quality educational offer which is driven by a commitment to personalised learning enhanced with unique global opportunities. Students and staff will be part of a worldwide community, connected through our Global Campus and Nord Anglia University. Additionally, our collaborations with world leading institutions such as The Juilliard School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Kings College London enhance the curriculum and offer exceptional professional development for teachers. This approach results in high academic outcomes, and equips students with the skills which are essential to thrive in the 21^st century."

The school will provide education from primary up to second-level, with exams focusing on the International Baccalaureate rather than the State curriculum or Leaving Certificate examination. Nord Anglia's CEO, Andrew Fitzmaurice, said that demand for a school of this type is increasing,

"We are delighted to announce the development of our first school in Ireland. As one of the fastest growing economies in Europe, Ireland is an increasingly attractive destination for families, fuelling demand for international education from both expatriate and local parents alike. We understand that every parent wants the best possible education for their child. We are looking forward to bringing a Nord Anglia education to Dublin and welcoming students, parents and staff to our new school in September 2018."

The proposed school will not receive public funding unlike other Irish private secondary schools. Cork businessman and project financier Barry O'Callaghan, who was himself privately educated at Clongowes Wood College in Co Kildare, says he believes the new international school could be the beginning of systemic educational innovation for Irish education,

"As a leading, global education company, not only will they bring international educational expertise into the Irish market together with a host of world leading academic partners, but they are also a significant multinational company who are committing meaningful capital and resource to the Irish market which in turn will lead to the creation of significant jobs over the coming years."

The opening of the school remains subject to regulatory approvals but O'Callaghan's firm, Rise Global, have already been granted planning permission to change the use of the huge Microsoft building from office to education. The company are also seeking to build a playground and all-weather pitch for the school. Join the conversation on Twitter @HerFamilydotie