The majority of Ireland's best schools are fee-paying establishments, it has been revealed.

According to the Sunday Times Parent Power League, 80 per cent of the top ten schools in the country charge parents to send their children there, with annual fees ranging from €3,400 and €14,500.

The two state schools that were ranked among the best in the country are both Irish-speaking girls-only establishments.

Emer Smyth of the Economic and Social Research Institute told the publication that "a positive opt-in approach from parents tends to result in positive academic results".

She added that there is also a large gender gap where levels of achievement are concerned.

Gonzaga College in Dublin has been ranked as the country's top school four times in the last seven years.

Other education centres that have held the prestigious spot include the Regina Mundi College in Cork and Dublin's Teresian School.

The country's best Irish-speaking school for 2010 is Colaiste Iosagain in Dublin, where almost 96 per cent of pupils go on to attend university.

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments