The High School
Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 811 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 356 girls, 455 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 60670L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
The High School is a co‑educational, Church of Ireland secondary day school in Dublin, educating over 800 pupils. It delivers a first‑class academic programme that consistently achieves progression rates above 100 % to third‑level institutions, and it is recognised nationally for its strong performance among mixed fee‑paying schools. The curriculum is complemented by a broad pastoral framework and a vibrant extra‑curricular offering, including extensive sports facilities on a 23‑acre campus at Zion Road, modern learning spaces from a major building programme completed in the early 2000s, and dedicated resources such as a sports shop and online payment systems to support families. The school’s ethos embraces inclusivity, welcoming students from Church of Ireland families, other Protestant denominations, and pupils of all faiths or none, provided they uphold the core values set out in the Ethos Statement. Governance is provided by a Board of Governors and a Board of Management with parental and staff representation, while a team of around 70 qualified teachers delivers a diverse range of subjects and enrichment activities within a supportive, values‑driven environment.
History
Founded on 1 October 1870 at 40 Harcourt Street, Dublin, The High School began as a boys’ school under the Erasmus Smith Trust. After modest early enrolments, it expanded and, in 1971, relocated to its present 23‑acre Danum estate on Zion Road. The incorporation of the Diocesan Secondary School for Girls in 1974 made the school fully co‑educational. Significant building programmes were undertaken in 2000–2001 and continue to develop the campus. The school celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2020‑21 and the 175th anniversary of the Diocesan Girls’ School in 2023‑24, now serving over 770 pupils.
Applying to The High School
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 The High School. 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 The High School
How many pupils attend The High School?
The High School has 811 pupils enrolled, 356 girls and 455 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is The High School a DEIS school?
No. The High School 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 The High School?
The High School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.