St. Columba's has a tradition of scholarship. Its small classes foster this and bring out the best in a wide ability range. Total numbers are small, which means that the College can be a true community, based on practical Christian values, where the staff consider at regular meetings the development of individual pupils. School routine is as flexible as possible to allow for the development of the individual through hard work, creative leisure activities, and an increasing degree of responsibility for the running of the community. By the end of their time at the College, boys and girls should have gained integrity, self-discipline, an awareness of their own identity and a confidence in their inner resources that will help them meet the challenge of a changing world.
Relationships and social and moral issues are handled informally within the framework of the curriculum, in personal contacts with the Housemasters and Housemistresses, and more formally by the medical staff. The College upholds and seeks to encourage by its ethos and staff the highest personal values.
A Columban education is firmly based on the cultural heritage of Ireland, drawing continually upon the best developments abroad. It retains traditional links with independent schooling in Britain. The curriculum, which is very wide in the Lower School, reduces in the Upper School where between five and eight subjects are studied. Boys and girls have increasing subject choice as they go up the school and learn how to make good use of their time.
Pupils come from many countries.and settle quickly in the happy atmosphere of the College. This international dimension is increasingly important and greatly valued, approximately one quarter of the pupils now coming from homes outside Ireland.
St Columba's is the only school in the Republic of Ireland whose Headmaster is a member of the H.M.C. (Headmasters' Conference).
