Rathdown offers seven-day boarding to girls aged 12 - 18 years old. Currently, we have 116 boarders, 78 residing in Hillcourt House and 38 senior pupils residing in Innismore, our new senior boarding residence.

Boarders wear school uniform during the school day and are permitted to change into home clothes after school in the afternoons and at weekends. They have the option of staying in at weekends or going home. They are also permitted to go out with friends, provided they have parental written permission. All boarders are expected to return after weekends out on Sunday evening by 8.00pm. Staff organise outings for the boarders who stay in at weekends.

Daily Schedule
Rising Bell: 7.00am
Breakfast: 7.45am
Mid Morning Snack: 11.00am
Lunch: 1.15pm
Evening Meal: 6.00pm
Evening Snack: 8.00pm

All pupils attend classes from 9.00am until 4.00pm each day (finishing at 3:15 p.m. on Fridays to facilitate easier returns home). During the afternoons from 4.00 - 6.00pm, boarders participate in sporting activities. They are permitted to go to the local shops between 4.00  - 5.30pm if they are free.

Prep and Study Facilities
Junior boarders have supervised study each evening. Study times vary according to Years as follows:

1st Year  6.30 - 8.00pm
2nd Year  6.30 - 8.00pm, 8.30 - 9.00pm
3rd Year  6.30 - 8.00pm, 8.30p - 10.00pm
4th Year  6.30pm - 8.00om,8.30 - 9.30pm

Fifth and Sixth Year boarders study in Innismore in individual study bedrooms from 6.30 - 8.00pm and from 8.30 - 10.00pm

All boarders have a break from 8.00 - 8.30pm. when they eat a light snack.

Hillcourt House
This house accommodates boarders from 1st to 4th Year in dormitories varying in size. The smallest dormitory sleeps four girls and the largest has ten girls. The girls sleep in bunk beds and have their own wardrobe and drawer space.

There are two common rooms for the girls to relax in, watch television or play the piano. Hillcourt House is well serviced with shower and bathroom facilities.

The main Dining Room is in Hillcourt House. All boarders and boarding staff have their meals here.

Innismore House
Our new senior boarding residence, Innismore House, which was opened in 2004, accommodates our 5th and 6th Year boarders. Each student has her own study bedroom fully equipped with wash hand basin, fitted wardrobe and storage space. Each room also has a study desk and chair. There is also ample space for for books.

There are 38 study bedrooms spread over three floors, and each floor has its own shower/bathroom facilities. Innismore also has a very pleasant kitchen/dining area, where the girls can make tea and coffee during the afternoons and evenings. There is a very comfortable common room on the top floor, where the girls can relax and watch television.