About School League Tables

The Sunday Times published (Sept 2018) it's annual School League Tables for 2018. School league tables remain a sensitive issue for schools which understandably have reservations about having so much judged by a single criterion; one which can never fully reflect the extraordinary lengths that schools and individual teachers go to in order to get disadvantaged students past the exam line. We understand the concern felt by many that school league tables only paint part of the picture. However, we believe that if parents choose to be informed about progression rates to college from individual schools either as one of the criteria for selecting a school for their child or simply being interested in the information in respect of the school their child is attending, then the information should be available to them.

We currently opt not to provide on Schooldays.ie an overall list ranking schools throughout Ireland based on college progression levels (though we could). That said, we do provide progression information in respect of individual schools on each secondary school’s profile page on our site. Data is displayed for the last 12 years including the latest data for college admissions in Autumn 2022. To understand more about how to find the 2022 information on the schooldays.ie site, click here

While we do not reproduce the full Sunday Times Schools data on our site, we have provided below some extracts from their 2018 survey summarising schools within different regions/categories. You can also view notes on how they compiled the information. Note that a further set of 'League Tables' are published by the Irish Times & the Independent in late November each year based on the third level enrolments in autumn of the same year. Schooldays.ie also uploads this data to it's website.

See the breakdown of the top schools in the Sunday Times League Table by the following Sections: 'Top' 10 schools in Leinster 'Top' 20 schools in North Dublin 'Top' 20 schools in South Dublin 'Top' 20 schools in Munster 'Top' 20 schools in Cork 'Top' 20 schools in Connaught 'Top' 10 schools in Ulster 'Top' 20 boys schools / girls schools 'Top' 20 Mixed Schools		Recent Discussion threads New School League Table Results (clamb90, 08/12 04:17) Sunday Times School League Tables 2013 (horeakaii, 27/06 06:13) Sunday Times School League Tables 2012 (Shane, 28/03 21:57) Statistics on Leaving Cert Results (SchoolDays, 15/11 14:19)

2018 TOP 10 IN LEINSTER (Excluding Dublin)
B=Boys G=Girls M=Mixed ........ Fee-paying schools in bold.
		Type	2018 National Rank	2016 National Rank	% at University
1	St. Gerard's School, Bray, Co. Wicklow	M	40	70	69.9
2	Gaelcholaiste na Mara, Arklow, Co. Wicklow	M	42	83	69.2
3	Our Lady's Bower, Athlone, Co. Westmeath	G	44	47	68.8
4	Clongowes Wood College, Clane, Co. Kildare	B	47	22	67.5
5	Newbridge College, Newbridge, Co. Kildare	M	48	37	66.5
6	Kilkenny College, Castlecomer Rd, Kilkenny	M	52	92	65.6
7	Loreto Secondary School, Granges Rd., Kilkenny	G	57	69	65.2
8	Colaiste Naomh Mhuire, Naas, Kildare	G	64	-	64.4
9	Maynooth Post Primary School, Maynooth, Co. Kildare	M	65	84	64.3
10	Loreto Secondary School, Spawell Rd, Co Wexford	G	70	39	63.6

TOP 20 IN NORTH DUBLIN
B=Boys G=Girls M=Mixed ........ Fee-paying schools in bold.
		Type	2018 National Rank	2016 National Rank	% at University
1	Castleknock College, Castleknock, Dublin 15	B	11	10	81.6
2	Mount Sackville Secondary, Chapelizod, Dublin 20	G	14	31	79.4
3	Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf, Dublin 3	G	18	54	79.5
4	Belvedere College, Great Denmark St., Dublin 1	B	20	23	75.6
5	Colaiste Cois Life, Lucan, Co. Dublin	M	39	25	70.2
6	Dominican College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9	G	55	64	65.5
7	Castleknock Community College, Castleknock, Dublin 15	M	68	109	63.8
8	Santa Sabina Dominican College, Sutton, Dublin 13	G	77	-	62.2
9	Scoil Chaitriona, Glasnevin, Dublin 9	M	111	116	57.7
10	Ardscoil Ris, Griffith Ave, Dublin 9	B	122	138	55.7
11	Gaelcholaiste Reachrann, Donaghmede, Dublin 13	M	130	146	54.9
12	Malahide Community School, Malahide, Co. Dublin	M	141	173	53.9
13	Sutton Park School, Sutton, Dublin 13	M	161	225	52.0
14	St. Fintan's High School, Sutton, Dublin 13	B	162	168	51.9
15	Maryfield College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9	G	174	151	50.6
16	Mount Temple Comprehensive School, Clontarf, Dublin 3	M	178	214	50.0
17	Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin	G	218	174	46.0
18	Skerries Community College, Skerries, Co. Dublin	M	247	206	44.1
19	Manor House, Raheny, Dublin 5	G	265	204	43.1
20	Colaiste Pobail Setanta, Dublin 15	M	272	-	42.7

TOP 20 IN SOUTH DUBLIN
B=Boys G=Girls M=Mixed ........ Fee-paying schools in bold.
		Type	2018 National Rank	2016 National Rank	% at University
1	Colaiste Iosagain, Booterstown, Co. Dublin	G	3	7	87.0
2	Gonzaga College, Ranelagh, Dublin 6	B	4	2	85.9
3	Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2	G	5	12	8532
4	The Teresian School, Donnybrook, Dublin 4	G	6	6	85.1
5	Mount Anville Secondary School, Goatstown, Dublin 14	G	9	9	83.5
6	Alexandra College, Milltown, Dublin 8	G	16	4	77.2
7	Loreto High School, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14	G	17	19	76.5
8	Blackrock College, Blackrock, Co. Dublin	B	19	26	76.4
9	St Conleth's College, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4	M	25	48	75.2
10	Colaiste Eoin, Booterstown, Co. Dublin	B	26	18	74.9
11	St. Andrew's College, Blackrock, Co. Dublin	M	28	44	74.8
12	Muckross Park College, Donnybrook, Dublin 4	G	29	38	74.7
13	Holy Child Secondary School, Killiney, Co. Dublin	G	30	55	73.9
14	Rathdown School, Glenageary, Co Dublin	G	34	32	71.9
15	Loreto College, Foxrock, Dublin 18	G	35	27	71.6
16	St. Michael's College, Ailesbury Rd., Dublin 4	B	36	29	71.5
17	Sandford Park School, Ranelagh, Dublin 6	M	43	61	68.9
18	St Mary's College, Rathmines, Dublin 6	B	46	57	67.6
19	Loreto Abbey Secondary School, Dalkey, Co. Dublin	G	53	59	65.6
20	Catholic University School, Lwr Leeson St, Dublin 2	B	63	30	64.4

TOP 20 IN MUNSTER (Excluding Cork)
B=Boys G=Girls M=Mixed ........ Fee-paying schools in bold.
		Type	2018 National Rank	2016 National Rank	% at University
1	Laurel Hill Colaiste FCJ, Sth Circular Rd., Limerick	G	1	1	96.4
2	Glenstal Abbey School, Murroe, Co. Limerick	B	22	13	75.5
3	Ardscoil Ris, Nth Circular Rd., Limerick	B	23	36	75.4
4	Gaelcholaiste Luimnigh, Limerick	M	24	28	75.4
5	Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles, Co. Tipperary	G	27	52	75.9
6	Crescent College Comprehensive, Dooradoyle, Limerick	M	31	24	73.4
7	Cistercian College, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary	B	33	16	71.9
8	Colaiste Ide, Dingle, Co. Kerry	B	37	11	71.5
9	St. Mary's Secondary School, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary	G	54	86	65.5
10	Rockwell College, Cashel, Co. Tipperary	M	56	71	65.4
11	Presentation Secondary School, Listowel, Co. Kerry	G	59	46	65.0
12	Castletroy College, Newtown, Co. Limerick	M	60	42	65.0
13	Colaiste Mhuire, Ennis, Co. Clare	G	62	76	64.7
14	Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai, Tralee, Co. Kerry	M	66	80	642
15	Rice College, Ennis, Co. Clare	M	81	93	61.1
16	Villiers Secondary School, Nth Circular Rd, Limerick	M	89	-	60.6
17	Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, Bothar an Spa, Dingle, Co. Kerry	M	90	90	60.5
18	Scoil Mhuire agus Ide, Newcastle West, Dingle, Co. Limerick	M	102	-	58.9
19	Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ, Sth Circular Rd., Limerick	G	109	67	58.1
20	Meanscoil na mBraithre, Ennistymon, Co. Clare	B	112	88	57.6

TOP 20 IN CORK
B=Boys G=Girls M=Mixed ........ Fee-paying schools in bold.
		Type	2018 National Rank	2016 National Rank	% at University
1	Scoil Mhuire, Sidney Place, Cork	G	2	5	97.1
2	Presentation Brothers College, Mardyke, Cork	B	7	3	85.0
3	Christian Brothers College, Sidney Hill, Cork	B	13	14	80.7
4	Mount Mercy College, Model Farm Road, Cork	G	21	21	75.5
5	St. Mary's Secondary School, Mallow, Co. Cork	G	38	63	71.3
6	Regina Mundi College, Douglas Rd., Cork	G	41	41	69.9
7	St. Angela's College, St. Patrick's Hill, Cork	G	45	43	68.1
8	St. Francis Capuchin College, Rochestown, Co. Cork	B	51	77	65.7
9	Presentation Secondary College, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork	G	72	3	63.0
10	St Mary's Secondary School, Macroom, Co. Cork	G	74	65	62.6
11	Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty, Co. Cork	G	82	75	61.1
12	Loreto Secondary School, Fermoy, Co. Cork	G	83	73	61.1
13	St Aloysius College, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork	G	85	81	61.0
14	*Colaiste Choilm, Ballincollig, Co. Cork	M	92	74	60.0
15	Colaiste An Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown, Cork	B	97	53	59.3
16	Colaiste na Toirbhirte, Bandon, Co. Cork	G	100	79	59.2
17	Ardscoil Ui Urmoltaigh, Bandon, Co. Cork	B	105	56	58.6
18	Ashton School, Blackrock Rd, Cork	M	110	98	57.8
19	Colaiste Daibheid, An t-Ardan Theas, Co. Cork	M	114	85	57.3
20	Scoil Mhuire, Ballingeary, Cork	M	121	5	55.9

TOP 20 IN CONNAUGHT
B=Boys G=Girls M=Mixed ........ Fee-paying schools in bold.
		Type	2018 National Rank	2016 National Rank	% at University
1	Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Salthill, Galway	G	8	8	84.3
2	Colaiste na Coiribe, Tuam Road, Galway	M	10	15	81.7
3	Colaiste Iognaid SJ, Sea Road, Galway	M	12	20	81.3
4	Colaiste Ghobnait, Inis Oirr, Aran Islands, Galway	M	15	35	77.8
5	St. Joseph's College, Nun's Island, Galway	B	32	35	72.9
6	St. Joseph's Secondary School, Castlebar, Co. Mayo	G	49	40	66.7
7	St. Gerald's College, Castlebar, Co. Mayo	B	50	91	66.0
8	Presentation College, Athenry, Co. Galway	M	58	49	65.1
9	Dominican College, Taylor's Hill, Galway	G	61	50	65.0
10	Scoil Mhuire gan Smal, Roscommon	G	69	130	63.6
11	Calasanctius College, Oranmore, Co. Galway	M	84	125	61.1
12	Seamount College, Kinvara, Co. Galway	M	95	89	59.1
13	Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara, Carna, Co. Galway	M	108	94	58.3
14	Mount St Michael, Claremorris, Co. Mayo	G	113	107	57.6
15	St Mary's Secondary School, Ballina, Co. Mayo	G	136	123	54.2
16	Colaiste Chroi Mhuire, Spiddal, Co. Galway	M	137	60	54.1
17	Balla Secondary School, Balla, Co. Mayo	M	138	130	54.0
18	Colaiste Einde, Threadneedle Rd, Galway	M	140	142	54.0
19	Presentation College, Tuam, Co. Galway	G	151	49	53.1
20	Holy Rosary College, Mountbellow, Co. Galway	M	153	136	53.0

TOP 10 IN ULSTER (Excluding Northern Ireland)
B=Boys G=Girls M=Mixed ........ Fee-paying schools in bold.
		Type	2018 National Rank	2016 National Rank	% at University
1	Loreto College, Cavan	G	86	111	61.0
2	Colaiste Ailigh, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal	M	91	-	60.4
3	Colaiste Oiriall, Ard Fea, Co. Monaghan	M	98	45	59.3
4	St. Louis Secondary School, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan	G	128	108	55.1
5	Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal	M	142	119	53.8
6	St. Louis Secondary School, Monaghan	G	145	121	53.5
7	Our Lady's Secondary School, Castleblayney, Monaghan	M	202	-	47.3
8	St. Macartan's College, Monaghan	B	205	148	46.9
9	St. Patrick's College, Cavan	B	214	-	46.2
10	Loreto Convent, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal	G	258	156	43.3

TOP 20 BOYS' SCHOOLS
Fee-paying schools in bold.
		2018 National Rank	2016 National Rank	% at University
1	Gonzaga College, Ranelagh, Dublin 6	4	2	85.9
2	Presentation Brothers College, Mardyke, Cork	7	3	85.0
3	Castleknock College, Castleknock, Dublin 15	11	10	81.6
4	Christian Brothers College, Sidney Hill, Cork	13	14	80.7
5	Blackrock College, Blackrock, Co. Dublin	19	26	76.4
6	Belvedere College, Great Denmark St., Dublin 1	20	23	75.6
7	Glenstal Abbey School, Murroe, Co. Limerick	22	13	75.5
8	Ardscoil Ris, Nth Circular Rd., Limerick	23	36	75.4
9	Colaiste Eoin, Booterstown, Co. Dublin	26	18	74.4
10	St. Joseph's College, Nun's Island, Galway	32	35	72.9
11	Cistercian College, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary	33	16	71.9
12	St. Michael's College, Ailesbury Rd., Dublin 4	36	29	71.5
13	St. Mary's College, Rathmines, Dublin 6	46	57	67.8
14	Clongowes Wood College, Naas, Co. Kildare	47	22	67.5
15	St. Gerald's College, Castlebar, Co. Mayo	50	91	66.0
16	St. Francis Capuchin College, Rochestown, Co. Cork	51	77	65.7
17	Catholic University School, Lwr. Leeson St., Dublin 2	63	30	64.4
18	CBC, Monkstown, Co. Dublin	75	66	62.5
19	St. Kieran's College Secondary School, College Rd, Kilkenny	79	-	61.6
20	Colaiste An Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown, Cork	97	53	59.3

TOP 20 GIRLS' SCHOOLS
Fee-paying schools in bold.
		2018 National Rank	2016 National Rank	% at University
1	Laurel Hill Colaiste FCJ, Sth Circular Rd., Limerick	1	1	96.4
2	Scoil Mhuire, Sydney Place, Cork	2	5	87.1
3	Colaiste Iosagain, Booterstown, Co. Dublin	3	7	87.0
4	Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2	5	12	85.2
5	The Teresian School, Donnybrook, Dublin 4	6	6	85.1
6	Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Salthill, Galway	8	8	84.3
7	Mount Anville School, Goatstown, Dublin 14	9	9	83.5
8	Mount Sackville Secondary, Chapelizod, Dublin 20	14	31	79.4
9	Alexandra College, Milltown, Dublin 6	16	4	77.2
10	Loreto High School, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14	17	19	76.5
11	Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf, Dublin 3	18	54	76.5
12	Mount Mercy College, Model Farm Rd., Cork	21	21	75.5
13	Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles, Co. Tipperary	27	52	74.9
14	Muckross Park College, Donnybrook, Dublin 14	29	38	74.7
15	Holy Child School Killiney, Co. Dublin	30	-	73.9
16	Rathdown School, Glenageary, Co. Dublin	34	32	71.9
17	Loreto College, Foxrock, Dublin 18	35	27	71.6
18	Colaiste Ide, Dingle, Co. Kerry	37	11	71.5
19	St. Mary's Secondary School, Mallow, Co. Cork	38	-	71.3
20	Regina Mundi College, Douglas Rd., Cork	41	41	69.9

TOP 20 MIXED SCHOOLS
Fee-paying schools in bold.
			2018 National Rank	2016 National Rank	% at University
1	Colaiste na Coiribe, Tuam Road, Galway		10	15	81.7
2	*Colaiste Iognaid SJ, Sea Road, Galway		12	20	81.3
3	Colaiste Ghobnait, Inis Oirr, Aran Islands, Galway		15	35	77.8
4	Gaelcholaiste Luimnigh, Limerick		24	28	75.4
5	St Conleth's College, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4		25	48	75.2
6	St. Andrew's College, Blackrock, Co. Dublin		28	44	74.8
7	Crescent College Comprehensive, Dooradoyle, Limerick		31	24	73.4
8	Colaiste Cois Life, Lucan, Co. Dublin		39	25	70.2
9	St. Gerard's School, Bray, Co. Wicklow		40	70	69.9
10	Gaelcholaiste na Mara, Arklow, Co. Wicklow		42	83	69.2
11	Sandford Park School, Ranelagh, Dublin 6		43	61	68.9
12	Newbridge College, Newbridge, Co. Kildare		48	37	66.9
13	Kilkenny College, Castlecomer Rd, Kilkenny		52	92	65.6
14	Rockwell College, Cashel, Co. Tipperary		56	71	65.4
15	Presentation College, Athenry, Co. Galway		58	49	65.1
16	Castletroy College, Newtown, Co. Limerick		60	42	65.0
17	Maynooth Post Primary School, Maynooth, Co. Kildare		65	84	64.3
18	Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai, Tralee, Co. Kerry		66	80	64.2
19	The High School, Rathgar, Dublin 6		67	58	64.0
20	Castleknock Community College, Castleknock, Dublin 15		68	109	63.8