Four courts

A look at the four Protestant schools who have begun legal proceedings

Rathdown School Glenageary, Co Dublin

Number of pupils:459*

Boys:n/a

Girls:459

Head teacher:Barbara Ennis

Fees:Tuition - €5,570, boarding - €10,800 (plus extras)

National rank:28th in Dublin - 83% progression rate to third level**

Overview:Rathdown is comprised of a junior school and a senior school with a boarding department. Approximately 30 per cent of its secondary school students are boarders. Founded in 1973, it incorporates four original schools and it is located on a 16 acre site in south Dublin.

Extracurricular programmes include speech and drama and public speaking, Model United Nations and Amnesty International. A wide range of sports are on offer including equestrian pursuits. Music is a huge element of the school's extracurricular life and the school has a large music centre.

St Andrew's College Booterstown, Co Dublin

Number of pupils:971*

Boys:510

Girls:461

Head teacher:Arthur Godsil

Fees:€€5,150

Rank:19th in Dublin - 90% progression rate to third level**

Overview:St Andrew's College is a large fee-paying school in south Co Dublin. It celebrated its centenary in 1994. Founded as a boys' secondary school by members of the Presbyterian community. Classes are smaller than average and St Andrew's is the only school in Ireland to offer the International Baccalaureate.

Entry into the school is competitive with 350 students applying for about 150 places this year. The school prides itself on its international connections, with many foreign national students. The St Andrew's Model United Nations has been an annual event since 1988.

Wesley College Ballinteer, Dublin 16

Number of pupils:866*

Boys:479

Girls:387

Head teacher:Christopher Woods

Fees:EU students tuition €€4,490. Non-EU students tuition: €€6,560

Rank:41st in Dublin - 72% progression rate to third level**

Overview:Founded in 1845 on St Stephen's Green, Dublin as a school for boys. Became co-educational in 1911 and relocated to its present Ballinteer location in 1969.

The school is mainly made up of day pupils, but it has boarding facilities for 160 students. It also has a tradition of catering for English-speaking overseas students who wish to gain an Irish education.

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities which include a wide range of sports and activities. Good reputation for music.

St Patrick's Cathedral School Dublin 8

Number of pupils:125*

Boys:66

Girls:59

Head teacher:Brian Levis

Fees:€2,050 (2005 figure)

Rank:47th in Dublin -- 69% progression rate to third level**

Overview:St Patrick's Cathedral Grammar School was established by Edward VI in 1547. The school caters for boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18. Although the majority of students are not involved in the Cathedral, choir music is a key part of the ethos of the school. The school welcomes children of all denominations and offers a wide-ranging academic education.

*Figures according to Dept of Education (2006 enrolment figures)

**Figures from The Irish TimesFeeder School Lists 2006. Figures exclude students who study abroad and some universities where the number of students sent is fewer than four.