Villiers School in Limerick is Ireland’s only boarding school offering both the Leaving Certificate and the International Baccalaureate. With 550 students, 165 boarders and more than 60 nationalities represented, the school combines traditional Irish education with an increasingly international outlook.
What is happening at Villiers School?
The Limerick school has developed a distinctive senior-cycle offering since introducing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in 2017. Students can choose between the Leaving Certificate pathway and the two-year IB programme, while both day pupils and boarders attend the school.
The IB is currently studied by 24 students across fifth and sixth year. The programme requires pupils to take six subjects across different academic areas, complete a 4,000-word extended essay, study the theory of knowledge and participate in sporting, creative and voluntary activities.
- Founded in 1821
- Located on North Circular Road in Limerick city
- 550 students, including 165 boarders
- Students representing more than 60 nationalities
- Offers the Leaving Certificate and International Baccalaureate
- IB introduced in 2017
Why the International Baccalaureate matters
The IB is widely associated with independent learning, research and critical thinking. At Villiers, programme leader Shane Hanna says the course is built around attributes including curiosity, communication, reflection, open-mindedness and a willingness to take intellectual risks.
Many students completing the diploma are considering universities outside Ireland. Irish pupils can also study Leaving Certificate Irish, preserving access to Irish third-level courses where the subject is an entry requirement.
The programme is demanding, but its structure is designed to extend beyond examination preparation. Students must balance academic work with community involvement, creativity and physical activity. That combination is central to the school’s stated aim of developing confident, globally minded graduates.
International community in the heart of Limerick
Villiers School’s international character is not limited to the IB. Around two-thirds of its boarders are from Ireland, while the remaining students come from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America and other regions. Families connected to countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Tanzania are also represented.
The school’s location near Shannon Airport and the former international free trade zone has helped shape its long-standing links with overseas families. Since the IB was introduced, the school says it has attracted additional interest from international households and Irish families relocating from abroad.
Admissions staff work with educational agents across Europe, Asia, the United States, Latin America and Mexico. The school says it aims to maintain a mix of languages and backgrounds among its boarders rather than allowing one nationality to dominate.
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Boarding life and fees
Boarding takes place in Tivoli House and Derravoher House, two historic properties on the compact campus. Dormitories accommodate between four and eight students, while house parents live on site. Shared games rooms, kitchens and outdoor areas provide spaces for students outside class time.
For the 2027/28 academic year, published boarding fees range from €12,750 for five-day boarding on the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate programme to €22,000 for seven-day boarding. IB fees are listed at €17,800 for five-day boarders and €27,200 for seven-day boarders. About one in five boarders receives a grant towards fees.
Boarding students describe the routine as structured but social. The school day is followed by supervised study, activities and communal time, while senior pupils receive limited opportunities to sign out under the school’s rules.
A focus on inclusion and student wellbeing
The school has a Christian ethos but welcomes students of all religions and none. Its inclusion initiatives include an LGBTQIA+ alliance, a People of Colour alliance and additional English support for students whose first language is not English.
Students can join competitive sports such as rugby, hockey and basketball, as well as non-competitive running and tennis clubs. Mindfulness, yoga, kindness workshops and student-led music sessions are also part of the academic year.
A dedicated group gives students with additional educational needs a place to discuss concerns. Staff say the wider goal is to ensure that students feel listened to and supported, regardless of background, race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation.
What makes Villiers different?
Villiers combines several features rarely found together in Irish secondary education:
- A full boarding structure in an urban setting
- Choice between the Leaving Certificate and IB Diploma
- A substantial international student population
- On-site pastoral and residential support
- Academic, sporting, creative and voluntary activities
- A stated emphasis on inclusion and independent learning
Its history also sets it apart. Founded in 1821 following a bequest from Hannah Villiers, the school was established to provide accommodation and education for widows and children connected with several Christian denominations. That heritage remains visible through its governance and ethos, although the modern school presents itself as open to a broad community.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Villiers School?
Villiers School is located on North Circular Road in Limerick city.
Does Villiers School offer the Leaving Certificate?
Yes. Students can follow the Leaving Certificate programme or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
When was the IB introduced?
The International Baccalaureate was introduced at Villiers School in 2017.
How many boarders attend the school?
There are 165 boarders among the school’s total enrolment of 550 students.
How much does boarding cost?
For 2027/28, listed fees range from €12,750 to €22,000 for the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate programme, and from €17,800 to €27,200 for the IB programme, depending on the boarding arrangement.
Why this story matters
Villiers School offers a useful snapshot of how Irish education is changing. Alongside the familiar Leaving Certificate, families can now choose an internationally recognised diploma within an Irish boarding-school setting. Its diverse enrolment also reflects the movement of families, students and professionals between Ireland and the wider world.
For parents comparing schools, the key decision is not simply whether to choose boarding or day education. It is also whether a student would benefit from the IB’s broad assessment model, the Leaving Certificate’s established route into Irish universities, or the structure and independence that residential education provides.
Villiers School’s distinctive model brings together Irish qualifications, international education and residential life in one Limerick campus. As demand grows for flexible and globally focused education, it is likely to remain a notable part of Ireland’s schools landscape.
