Fee-paying or free secondary school: what you're paying for
How fee-paying secondary schools work in Ireland, what the State still pays for, typical fees, and what you give up, like free schoolbooks.
Updated 16 October 2026
Most secondary schools in Ireland are free. In 2025/26, 50 of the 721 secondary schools charged fees, with around 27,600 students between them, roughly 6% of all secondary students. All 50 are voluntary secondary schools.
What the State still pays for
Fee-paying schools are still recognised by the State. The State pays most of their teachers' salaries, though on a less generous ratio: one teacher per 23.1 students, compared with one per 19 in free schools. Fee-paying schools don't get the State's running-cost grants, and they set their own fees.
What the fees cover
Because these schools get no running-cost grants, fees pay for the day-to-day running of the school, any teachers beyond the State's allocation, and facilities, sport and activities. Ask each school what its fees include and what's charged on top, such as trips, lunches, uniforms and devices.
How much fees are
Day fees range from about €4,000 to €14,000 a year, according to The Irish Times in July 2025. Boarding costs more. Ask each school about fee increases and discounts for brothers and sisters.
What you give up
- Free schoolbooks. The free schoolbooks scheme covers schools in the Free Education Scheme. Students in fee-paying schools aren't included.
- Some grants. Fee-paying schools aren't in DEIS and don't get the general running-cost grants.
State exam fees are the same wherever your child goes.
A balanced view
- Fee-paying schools often do well in college progression tables, but those tables mostly reflect students' family backgrounds, not what the school adds. What league tables measure.
- Many free schools offer the same subjects, small classes in senior years and strong sport and music. Compare them on what matters to your child.
- Six years of fees is a big commitment. Weigh it against other things the money could do, like grinds if needed, college costs or a deposit.
- Visit both kinds. Look at the subjects, the supports and how your child feels walking around.
See every fee-paying school with its type and size, or compare schools side by side.
Sources
- gov.ie: Enrolment figures in fee-paying post-primary schools
- gov.ie: Post-primary schools 2025/26 data
- The Irish Times: Private schools receive €140m from the State (December 2024)
- The Irish Times: Thinking of private school? Better start saving now (July 2025)
- The Irish Times: Free schoolbooks will not apply to private school students (October 2023)
- gov.ie: Final phase of free schoolbooks scheme
- National Parents Council: Overview of post-primary education
Rules and rates change. Check the official source before you rely on a detail, and tell us at [email protected] if something's out of date.