The Ranelagh Multi Denominational National School is groundbreaking and remarkable for a plethora…read moreof reasons. When they decided to close the St. Columba's Church of Ireland National School in 1988, a two teacher denominational outfit, the parents and teachers banded together to re-launch the school as a democratically run, multi denominational and co-educational national school, a pretty far thinking ethos for schooling when the plans were written in 1988. The new school was originally housed in a collection of prefabs, a church hall and a caretakers house. A type of early nineties hedge school in some ways. The Department of Education granted backdated recognition for the school in 1989. The new building was designed by O'Donnel and Tuomey architects, these guys are big boys on the scene, and they did a top notch job. The design of the school has the contrivance of being 'internal and external spaces which interlock to make one block of interdependent components.' This, obviously, reflects the philosophy of the school quite succinctly and has made the school something of a landmark on Dublin's architectural scene. So, four stars for Ranelagh Multi Denominational National School, I can't vouch for quality of education, or anything practical like that, but the concept appeals to me greatly. Now make it a Gael scoil too, and I'll enrol all my future artsy, bleeding heart pinko progeny there tomorrow.

Let me just start this review by categorically stating that I have no, as yet, genetic sequels…read more(children :) ). But I would just like to say that i support multi-denominationalism in this area. This school proves how forward thinking and open minded the people of Ranelagh are and it should be held up as an example to all surrounding areas with only christian schools. idiot areas.

This is a top quality school, that caters for all interests. Although a bit expensive, it is a…read moreplace to consider. The school crest is made up of four pictures; a book which represents academics; a football which represents sports; a paintbrush to represent the arts and a musical instrument to represent music. The school has great success in all of these areas. Alex has a history of good academic results, with many previous pupils having achieved 600 points in the leaving, and many more achieveing over 500. But it's not just results that count in Alex. The school regularly has people competing in the Young Scientist, debating competitions, mathlete competitions, Model United Nations etc. It prides itself in achieveing academic success. In terms of sports, Alex do very well. The Senior hockey team has won 2 Senior cups in three years and was runner up this year. All other levels continue this success, the Junior As won last year, the !st years were runners up this year. The u16 soccer team reached the ALll- Ireland final where they were narrowly beaten. Cricket, basketball, tennis and athletics all have great success also. The art department prides itself on producing budding artists. The pupils ahieve excellent results in the state exams and many have gone on to getting places in top art schools. One of the teachers is the artist Jane Bowe. There is a large music department, with twenty seven full and part-time teachers. The instruments taught range from the piano to the basson. Pupils always achieve high results in exams. This school really caters for all interests.

I attended this school from 1946 to 1953 it was all boys school and all male teachers.they were the…read morethe very best years of my life. i recall some kids attended in bear feet in year 1 babies and high babies. teacher names that i recall are mr. baldy obrien,mr. gallagher (the breeze) and the best of all mr.stan obrien who was an outstanding educationalist and taught us to read newspapers (in wartime) when parents objected. if anyone knows of a history of this school i would like to read it patrick costello

This is my first check in of many....my little boy is starting junior infants in September (as i…read morewipe a wee tear from my eye). This school is a great facility, it is on the grounds of St Patrick Teachers Training college so excellent resources are at their doorstep. My baby met his teacher yesterday and the boys that will be in his class for the next 8 years! Its the beginning of a long adventure....can't wait!

This group of 2 schools, St Patricks Cathedral Grammar School and the St Patrick's Cathedral Choir…read moreSchool, are really cool and unique for two reasons. 1. The Cathedral School was founded in 1432 and has been nearly continuously run since that time. It's the oldest school in all of Ireland. I mean if you think about it, that school was founded 60 years before Columbus sailed the ocean blue and accidentally found the New World. 2. The main focus of this school is choir music. Every boy that attends the choir school is a chorister and for the most part the girls who attend are involved in the girls choir. The grammar school also emphasises choral music. It's an amazing opportunity for someone how loves singing and wants to advance themselves further, plus they cover all the other standard education requirements.