FAQ

A boarding school guardian acts as the local point of contact for international students studying at Irish boarding schools when their parents live abroad. Boarding Schools Ireland provides regular visits, 24/7 emergency support, help with school communications, assistance with visa and immigration requirements, and coordination of airport transfers, host family accommodation, and school uniform/book purchases. The guardian is the person the school calls in any situation involving the student's welfare.

Sarah Bill, Managing Director of Boarding Schools Ireland, worked in a boarding school for 12 years as Weekend & International Director for a leading boarding school in Dublin before becoming a guardian. This experience gives direct insight into how best to look after international students in Irish boarding schools.

Boarding Schools Ireland provides guardianship for students at multiple schools, including St. Columba's College, The King's Hospital, Bandon Grammar School, Glenstal Abbey, Villiers School, Wesley College, Campbell College (Belfast), Royal School Dungannon, and the Institute of Education.

Yes. Boarding Schools Ireland works with students at schools across Ireland, including Limerick (Glenstal Abbey & Villiers), Cork (Bandon Grammar), and Belfast (Campbell College). A local guardian is assigned for day-to-day support at schools outside Dublin.

Guardianship fees are €1,300 per term or €3,500 per year if paid in a single installment. Additional costs during the year may include host family accommodation, airport transfers, school uniforms, and books, which are charged at cost.

Yes, all fees stated by Boarding Schools Ireland are inclusive of VAT.

Yes. If a current family refers a new family, both families receive a reduced fee.

Yes, there is a registration fee. However, returning families who re-apply using the provided code to avoid paying the registration fee.

Invoices are issued by Nico Consulting LTD and must be paid before the student's arrival. Payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card. Per-term payments are due before arrival, December, and March.

The Full Guardianship Package includes bi-weekly student visits, airport transfers and assistance, attendance at school events, 24/7 emergency support with no extra time charges, visa/immigration assistance, and uniform/book purchasing coordination. Additional payments only apply to direct third-party expenses like host family stays or medical fees.

Yes. Families can start with the Full Guardianship Package for the first year and switch to the Lite package in subsequent years if they prefer reduced coverage.

Yes. Boarding Schools Ireland can arrange for school books and uniforms to be purchased and delivered to the school for the student's arrival. These items are charged at cost price with no added service fee.

Yes. Boarding Schools Ireland organises airport transfers to and from Dublin Airport. Transfers are billed separately and are not included in the guardianship annual fee. Where possible, students are grouped together to share transfer costs.

Aer Lingus requires an Indemnity Form (3 copies) completed by a parent and signed at the airport by an adult; Ryanair does not allow children under 16 to travel unaccompanied; Iberia requires an Unaccompanied Minor service booked in advance. Boarding Schools Ireland assists with airport check-in and form execution.

Yes. For students travelling alone, Boarding Schools Ireland meets arrivals at Dublin Airport and accompanies them directly to school once travel details are submitted.

Students must carry a parental consent letter (English/Irish), parent passport/signature copies, school admission letter, and (for Spanish residents) official police travel authorisation.

Yes. For midterm and holiday travel, Boarding Schools Ireland recommends hand luggage only (small suitcase and backpack) to save time and avoid checked baggage fees.

Parents can choose between family/friend pickup, staying with an Irish classmate, or a Boarding Schools Ireland host family placement. (~€475).

Yes. Host family accommodation (including transport between school and host) is arranged during half terms, exeat weekends, or longer holidays when students cannot return home.

Yes. Secure storage for returning students' belongings is available at the end of term upon request.

While accommodation can be provided for Christmas and Easter holidays, travelling home for Christmas is strongly recommended.

Yes. Boarding Schools Ireland books IRP appointments, accompanies students to their registration, and assists with post-arrival immigration compliance.

The IRP card is delivered via express post within 10 working days after registration. Border control can check approved IRP status online if you need to travel before receiving it.

Hong Kong (SAR) passport holders do not require an entry visa, but must register with immigration upon turning 16 using a school fee confirmation letter.

Students under 16 require re-entry visas obtained in person at the Immigration Service Delivery Office (Burgh Quay, Dublin 2) with a completed form, passport, photos, and school enrolment letter.

Yes. Emergency appointment requests can be made directly to immigration if urgent student travel is required.

In an emergency, staff arrive at the school or hospital. The Full Package covers all emergency response time, while direct medical fees are billed at cost.

Yes. All transfer and escort staff are Garda vetted, trained in child safeguarding, and covered by comprehensive insurance.

A parental consent letter, passport copy, meeting party details, flight itineraries, and host family address must be submitted at least 3 weeks before travel.

Applications are submitted via the online application form provided upon enquiry. Each student requires a separate form.

Yes. Introductory meetings in person or via Zoom.

Parents upload consent forms, passport documents, and travel itineraries to the portal following registration.

Yes. Boarding Schools Ireland partners with global educational agencies to provide guardianship services and arrange agency fees directly.