20/02/2013

Kilkenny College To Drop School Fees

Kilkenny College, one of the country’s oldest schools, has announced they will stop charging fees and enter the free public education system from the beginning of term in September.

The impact of falling incomes and rising taxes on families are being attributed for the school’s decision.

Founded almost 500 years ago, the Church of Ireland second level school caters for 780 students, both boarders and day pupils.

In a statement posted on its website, the college said although fees had been maintained at 2008 levels, it was becoming increasingly difficult for families to send their children to the only Church of Ireland secondary school in Kilkenny and the South-East.

It said changes to how Protestant fee-charging schools were funded, introduced in 2008, had led to a withdrawal of support and building grants and an ever-reducing allocation of teachers.

The school will continue to charge students who board.

(H/GK)


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