Villiers school offers both Leaving Cert and IB
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Villiers School in Limerick, Ireland, is the country’s only boarding school providing both the Leaving Certificate and the International Baccalaureate (IB) to its students.
In 2017, the school introduced the IB diploma programme, a two-year course requiring students to study six subjects, write a 4,000-word essay, and participate in extracurricular activities. Principal Jill Storey explained teachers felt the IB aligned with the school’s values after observing IB schools at Model United Nations conferences.
The school attracts a diverse student body with over 60 nationalities represented among its 550 students, including 165 boarders. Roughly two-thirds of the boarders are from Ireland, while the rest come from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America, and the Cayman Islands. Staff also represent many countries, fostering an international atmosphere that dates back to the 1960s when the school was located near Shannon Airport’s international free trade zone.
Boarding fees for the 2027/2028 school year range from €12,750 to €27,200 depending on the boarding type and programme, with about one-fifth of boarders receiving financial aid. Villiers also prioritises student wellbeing with initiatives like mindfulness, yoga, and clubs for students with additional needs, alongside a dog-friendly campus and a focus on inclusivity for students of all backgrounds.
