Sandford Park School Ltd
Ranelagh, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 437 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 187 girls, 250 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 60640C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Sandford Park School is a small, progressive, private secondary day school in Dublin, catering for boys and girls aged 12‑18. The school delivers a broadly based, liberal education that prepares pupils for the Irish Leaving Certificate, a qualification recognised by universities across Europe and the United States. English is the language of instruction and the curriculum is complemented by a strong emphasis on academic excellence, critical thinking, creativity and effective communication. The campus combines historic charm with modern facilities. Set on eight acres of mature wooded grounds, the site includes an ornamental pond, a sunken tennis court, a ballroom with a minstrel’s gallery and a range of contemporary teaching spaces, creative studios and sporting areas. A comprehensive co‑curricular programme and a student‑centred approach foster social, artistic and leadership skills, while a well‑regarded pastoral care system ensures a safe, disciplined and caring environment that supports the whole person.
History
Sandford Park School opened its doors to its first pupils on 12 September 1922 under the leadership of its inaugural headmaster, Alfred Le Peton, who had previously been joint headmaster of Earlsfort House School. The school was established in a substantial 1894 house built for James Pile, set within eight acres of mature wooded grounds featuring an ornamental pond, tennis court and ballroom. The initial roll comprised fifty‑three boys. Le Peton, despite lacking formal qualifications, instilled a sense of family and community that became a hallmark of the school. He departed in 1925 due to ill health. In 2013 the school transitioned to co‑education and now serves approximately 435 students, offering the Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle programmes.
Applying to Sandford Park School Ltd
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Sandford Park School Ltd. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Sandford Park School Ltd
How many pupils attend Sandford Park School Ltd?
Sandford Park School Ltd has 437 pupils enrolled, 187 girls and 250 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Sandford Park School Ltd a DEIS school?
No. Sandford Park School Ltd is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Sandford Park School Ltd?
Sandford Park School Ltd has an Inter Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.