The Kings Hospital
Dublin 20, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 732 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 391 girls, 341 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 60272W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
The King’s Hospital School is a co‑educational secondary institution offering both day‑student and boarding places on a picturesque 80‑acre campus just outside Dublin. The school blends a long‑standing tradition with a forward‑looking curriculum, delivering a broad academic programme complemented by extensive extracurricular provision in sport, performing arts and a range of clubs. Modern boarding suites and world‑class facilities, including specialist classrooms, science labs and a well‑resourced library, create a supportive environment for academic and personal development. Guided by the Church of Ireland ethos and the values of curiosity, integrity and compassion, the school prioritises inclusivity and holistic education. It was the first school in Ireland to receive the IQM Inclusive School Award, reflecting its commitment to diversity and the wellbeing of every learner. Students are encouraged to explore their passions, develop resilience and become confident contributors to a rapidly changing world, supported by a strong pastoral framework and a vibrant community spirit.
History
The King’s Hospital School was founded in 1669 in Dublin, originally situated on Queen Street, Oxmantown. In 1783 it relocated to Blackhall Place, a site now occupied by the Law Society of Ireland. Between 1957 and 1966 the school incorporated two smaller schools, Morgan’s and Mercer’s, prompting growth in pupil numbers. In 1970 the school made its final move to an 80‑acre campus on the banks of the River Liffey at Brooklawn, Palmerstown, Co Dublin. Historically known as The Blue Coat School, it is one of Ireland’s oldest secondary schools and celebrated its 350th anniversary in 2019.
Applying to The Kings Hospital
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 Kings Hospital. 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 Kings Hospital
How many pupils attend The Kings Hospital?
The Kings Hospital has 732 pupils enrolled, 391 girls and 341 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is The Kings Hospital a DEIS school?
No. The Kings Hospital 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 Kings Hospital?
The Kings Hospital has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.