Kilkenny College has announced it is to stop charging tuition fees from September this year.

The Protestant day and boarding school, which is one of the oldest schools in Ireland, explained it is changing its status because of reductions in State support and falling levels of family income.

Day pupils at the co-educational school are charged 4,148 euros a year, while those boarding at the school have to pay 9,680 euros.

Boarders will still be required to pay for accommodation, food and other services when the changes come into play.

There are 55  fee-charging schools in Ireland at present, with Kilkenny College being among five secondary-level schools in talks with the Department of Education regarding a possible move to the free education initiative - a move welcomed by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn.

Mr Quinn, who is also a Labour Party TD for Dublin South East, said of the school: "It sees the future of the college is best secured through participation in the free scheme."

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments