Guardianship 2025
What is a Guardian?
Boarding schools require all international students to have a Guardian aged over 25 who is a resident in the Ireland.
Whilst schools are responsible for your child’s welfare during the school term, there are many times, such as exeats, half terms, holidays or when your child is sick, when the responsibility falls to the Educational Guardian to take care of your child.
In studying abroad, your child is embarking on the educational adventure of a lifetime. In essence, a guardian acts as the safety net. A guardian ensures that your child gains all the benefits and opportunities of adventure, independence, confidence and new experiences, without the accompanying risk. A guardian gives you peace of mind.
What does a Guardians do?
Host Family
Appoint a friendly, welcoming and fully inspected host family, which is close to your child’s school. The host family provides a home for your child during all weekend breaks, half terms and holidays (as needed), according to your child’s requirements.
Other support?
Arrange visits to schools or universities for interviews.
Visas
Assist you with Visa applications and Registrations.
Crisis
In the event of a crisis, Guardians will support your child by providing advice and assistance. Guardians are on call 24 hours every day to help you and your child with any difficulties or problems that may arise.
Regular Visits
Your child’s Guardian will regularly visit your child in their boarding school to provide ongoing communication back to you, the parent. Your Guardian will take a genuine interest in the wellbeing of your child and these regular visits reflects the personal service we pride ourselves on.
Airport
Greet your child upon their arrival into Ireland, and make all personal travel arrangements for weekend breaks, half terms and holidays.
Pastoral Care
Provide genuine pastoral care and take an interest in your child’s progress at school both academically and in their personal development as they grow into adults.
Medical
Provide support, help and advice on medical issues and counselling.
Guardianship fees for the current academic year:
Host family accommodation charge at €65.00 per day including meals and laundry.
Travel expenses between school, airports and host families including taxis charged at cost – price available on request
When required, attendance at parents’ meetings plus a full written report - €125.00 each
All other expenses will be recharged as they occur, e.g. school uniform, cost of outings with host family, mobile phone top ups etc
Provision of additional support services at €25.00 an hour. If applicable, mileage at 50p per KM
The balance is fully refunded upon the completion of your child’s studies
Application Process
Registration Fee
€200 One off fee
Termly Guardianship Fee
€1300 3 x terms per year (€3500 is paid in 1 instalment)
Deposit
A €1,000.00 deposit is also required to pay for the above expenses during your child’s stay in Ireland.