Quick Facts
A very quick set of facts about all aspects of the College – including our small class sizes, location, facilities, fees and notable alumni.
History
- Founded in 1843 in Stackallan, County Meath. Moved to the current location in 1849.
- Church of Ireland foundation and ethos, but warmly welcomes pupils of all other faiths and indeed no faith. Our ethos is inclusive and tolerant.
Inspection Report
The Department of Education conducted a Whole School Inspection (Management, Leadership & Learning) in 2012 – their report is available here.
Academic Results
- Very high standards: five-year average of 464 Leaving Certificate points across all candidates. Equivalent to AAA in ‘A’ levels.
- In 2019, 46% of our candidates achieved 500 points or more and 93% achieved over 300 points. The average was 474 across all candidates, a new College record.
Class Sizes
Pupil-Teacher ratios and average class sizes (2019-20 figures)
- Whole School: 14 to 1
- Senior School (V, VI): 14 to 1.
- Transition Year (IV): 15 to 1.
- Junior School (I, II, III): 13.1 to 1.
Facilities
Major Facilities
- Beautiful William Butterfield-designed Chapel (1880).
- Seven boarding Houses spread across the central area of the campus.
- Two Dining Halls.
- Purpose-built Library in the centre of the College (1994).
- Specialist Cadogan music building, with individual and group practice and teaching rooms.
- Major hall (‘Big Schoolroom’) for frequent plays, concerts and other whole-school events. About 15 drama productions each year.
- Art Centre with two studio areas, photography and pottery facilities.
- Top class sports facilities: large Sports Hall (1998), two artificial hockey pitches, six artificial tennis courts, spacious rugby, cricket and athletics areas. Over 300 sports’ fixtures annually.
- Science Block with physics, chemistry, biology and general laboratories. €1.75m redevelopment, completed in October 2016.
- High speed wired and wireless internet connections across the campus.
Parents
- Parents’ Association with representatives from all age groups.
- Chair of the PA sits on the Board of Management
- Parental Satisfaction Survey: 98% said they were happy with choosing St Columba’s for their children and it provides good value for money, and 100% said they would make the same choice again.
Communications
- Regular contact with Housemasters and Housemistresses.
- Website (redesigned 2017).
- E-Newsletters each term.
- Regular Warden’s emails to parents.
- Twitter: @sccdublin.
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sccdublin.
Fees
- Full details of current fees: see Admissions – Fees, Bursaries & Scholarships
- Scholarships are available, and also Bursary assistance by application to the Warden.
Alumni
3000 members of the Old Columban Society worldwide.
Annual magazine sent to all members.
Social events regularly in Dublin, London, Belfast, Germany and further afield.
Website at www.oldcolumbansociety.com (for members only).
