Choosing the right secondary school is one of the most important decisions a family makes. For families in Clare beginning to consider the next stage of their child’s education, Villiers School in Limerick offers a distinctive combination of academic excellence, international-mindedness, extensive opportunities and a warm, inclusive school community.

As a co-educational day and boarding school, Villiers has a long tradition of educational excellence while continuing to look towards the future. The school places a strong emphasis on knowing and supporting each individual student, with small class sizes, a broad curriculum and an extensive range of opportunities beyond the classroom.

At the heart of the Villiers experience is a belief that education should develop the whole person. Students are encouraged to achieve academically while also discovering their interests, developing their talents and becoming confident, independent young people. The school aims to nurture qualities including integrity, determination, responsibility, kindness and international mindedness.

Find out more about life at Villiers School | Learn more about Form I Admissions

A choice of academic pathways

One of the features that makes Villiers particularly distinctive is the choice available to students as they progress through the school.

Alongside the Irish curriculum and Leaving Certificate, Villiers offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). This gives senior cycle students the opportunity to choose the pathway that best suits their interests, learning style and future ambitions.

Villiers is the only school in the west of Ireland offering students a choice between the Leaving Certificate and the IBDP, providing families with an unusual breadth of academic choice. Both programmes are supported by experienced teachers, learning support and guidance counselling, with a focus on helping every student reach their potential.

Explore Academic Programmes at Villiers

More than what happens in the classroom

For many families, choosing a secondary school is about much more than examination results. It is about finding a place where a child can discover what they enjoy, develop confidence and build friendships.

At Villiers, sport, music, STEAM, linguistics, leadership, trips and community engagement are all important parts of school life. Students are encouraged to become involved in activities beyond their academic subjects, whether that means representing the school on a sports team, joining a club, or participating in a cultural trip or Model UN event.

Sport is particularly well established, with hockey and rugby among the school’s core sports, alongside basketball, soccer, badminton, athletics, cricket and other opportunities. Hockey players at Villiers can enjoy the brand-new hockey pitch, which was opened in 2026. Students are encouraged to participate regardless of their level of experience or ability.

Discover Sport at Villiers | Explore Extracurricular Activities

An international outlook

Although Villiers is firmly rooted in Limerick, and most Villiers students are local families, its outlook is international. Students from many different countries and cultural backgrounds contribute to the life of the school, creating an environment where young people learn from one another every day.

International mindedness is not simply something students learn about in the classroom; it is part of everyday school life. International trips, cultural exchanges, language opportunities and Erasmus+ experiences give students the chance to broaden their horizons and develop a greater understanding of the wider world.

Recent opportunities have included overseas trips and exchanges involving destinations such as Japan, France, Germany, Spain and Iceland, alongside a wide variety of educational and cultural experiences in Ireland. Our accreditation as an Erasmus + School, means that many of these trips are funded or part-funded from Erasmus bursaries.

Discover Extracurricular Trips and International Opportunities

Convenience for Clare families

For families in Clare, Villiers is conveniently located in Limerick and is accessible by public transport from several locations, including Cratloe, Sixmilebridge, Shannon and Ennis. Bus Éireann school transport services are also available from Tuamgraney, Killaloe, O’Brien’s Bridge, Ardnacrusha and Parteen, making Villiers a realistic option for families from across County Clare.

For families who live further from established bus routes, boarding can provide another option. Villiers offers a structured and supportive boarding environment where students live, study and participate in school activities together. The school has four boarding houses, robust support systems, and a programme designed to balance academic study, sport, activities and social time.

Learn more about Boarding at Villiers

For families who do not require full boarding but would benefit from a longer school day, Villiers also offers day boarding, combining supervised study, extracurricular activities and optional meals in a structured environment before students return home.

Find out more about Day Boarding

Learn more about Villiers

Choosing a secondary school is ultimately about finding the right fit for your child and your family. Visiting a school, meeting its people and getting a sense of its atmosphere can be one of the most valuable parts of the decision-making process.

Families of students currently in 4th, 5th and 6th Class are warmly invited to attend Villiers School’s upcoming Clare information evenings on Tuesday 15th September in the Rine Hotel, Dromoland and Wednesday 16th September in the Lakeside Hotel Killaloe/Ballina. Both events commence at 7:00 pm and provide an opportunity to learn more about the school, ask questions, and meet members of the Villiers community.

We will also host our annual Open Day event in Villiers School on Saturday 26th September from 11:00 am. Boarding Taster Night available for 6th class pupils from 5:00 pm on Friday, 25th September. Contact us to learn more!

For further information, contact Villiers School:
admissions@villiers-school.com
+353 61 451 447

Clare Information Evenings

Tuesday, 15 September at 7.00 pm
The Rine Hotel, Dromoland

Wednesday, 16 September at 7.00 pm
The Lakeside Hotel, Ballina/Killaloe

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