Some of Ireland's leading private schools have begun taking legal action against the parents of pupils due to failures to pay fees.

According to a report in the Sunday Times, one establishment to seek redress through the courts is St Columba's College, which is the most expensive institution in the state with average fees of 12,000 euros per year for day students and 21,000 euros for boarders.

Other schools to seek judgements include Alexandra College and St Conleth's College.

One parent of a student at St Columba's told the newspaper she was "shocked" at the drastic steps taken by the establishment.

"Taking legal action does nothing to get their fees paid quicker and only hurts the family of the children they are educating," she said, adding she is currently trying to sell her home in order to raise the necessary money.

Recently, it was confirmed in the government's Budget statement that the Department of Education will conduct a review of the funding it provides to fee-paying schools next year, the results of which will inform future policy decisions.

Written by Donal Walsh

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