ECI Juniors – Sandford Park School

Discover Dublin Summer Camp at Sandford Park

Founded in 1922, Sandford Park is a private day school located in the vibrant village of Ranelagh, just 10 minutes by bus or 5 minutes by tram from Dublin city centre. The school’s main building is a distinctive mansion featuring panelled rooms, stained glass windows, and ornate ceilings, surrounded by modern facilities and set on 2.5 hectares of wooded grounds. Students benefit from spacious, well-equipped classrooms with plenty of natural light—ideal for focused learning. Recreational amenities include a large multi-purpose sports hall and outdoor playing fields. The bright canteen offers panoramic views of the grounds, with a hot lunch option available at extra cost. Junior students stay with carefully selected host families nearby.
  • School size: Small
  • Class size for Junior programs:
  • Age Group: Juniors (11+)
  • Class size for Juniors: 15
  • Levels: All levels welcome, including those with no prior knowledge
  • Accommodations: Homestay, Residence

Highlights

  • Excellent mix of nationalities
  • Fun and engaging lessons
  • All summer centres are managed by Emerald’s experienced year-round team
  • All Emerald summer centres are a 5-minute tram journey to Dublin city centre or Dundrum town centre

Programmes Offered

Multi-Activity / Discover Dublin Programme

This programme is ideal for students who wish to combine learning English with a fun and diverse social programme. It includes visits to popular cultural attractions, such as museums and historic sites, alongside exciting activities like sports tournaments, dance, Irish music, drama, and arts & crafts. Students will have the opportunity to explore Dublin while improving their language skills in a dynamic, engaging environment.

Young Adult Programme

Tailored for older students, the Young Adult Programme features an exciting activity programme themed “Discovering Dublin.” The course content includes Leadership & Development, English for the Workplace, and Irish Life & Culture. It offers a balanced mix of practical skills and academic learning, helping students improve both their English proficiency and their understanding of Irish culture. It’s an excellent choice for students aiming to develop both language skills and personal growth, preparing them for university life or professional careers in an international context.

Intensive Course

The Intensive Course is ideal for students who are highly motivated to improve their English fluency in a short time. With a strong focus on conversation and speaking skills, the course provides additional classroom hours dedicated to practical, real-life communication. Small class sizes and experienced teachers ensure personalised attention and rapid progress. Despite the academic focus, students also enjoy a full programme of social and cultural activities, creating a well-balanced and immersive learning experience.

Contact

Contact School

Homestay Living with a homestay family offers students the chance to practise English in a natural setting and experience true Irish hospitality. It’s one of the most enriching ways to learn about Dublin’s culture and daily life. Full-board homestay is available in Dublin and families are carefully selected by our in-house accommodation team. Many have worked with Emerald for over 12 years, ensuring a safe and welcoming home.Upon Arrival at the airport, students are greeted by a member of the Emerald transfer team holding a sign. They are brought directly to their homestay or picked up at school. On the first day, students complete a placement test, receive orientation, and begin classes. Homestay families help students settle in and guide them on getting to school.

  • Homestay
  • Residence

Junior students attending courses at this centre stay with welcoming host families in the surrounding area. Many homestays are within walking distance, while others are just a short tram or bus ride away. A transport pass is included for students who need to use public transport to travel to and from school.Sandford Park School is located in a safe, residential neighbourhood with a friendly, community atmosphere. The area offers easy access to shops, cafés, and parks, giving students a comfortable and pleasant environment to explore.The school is very well connected—several major bus routes stop right outside the gates, and the Beechwood and Ranelagh LUAS tram stops are both just a five-minute walk away, making travel into Dublin city centre quick and easy.

Exams

Students are at the heart of what we do. Emerald offers a supportive environment for students of all ages, ensuring they feel prepared and confident throughout their learning journey. Our experienced academic team offers guidance tailored to each student’s goals, including support for exam preparation where relevant. While our junior summer programmes are not exam-focused, students benefit from continuous assessment and feedback to track progress and build confidence in their English skills. To help students and parents prepare before arrival, we host a pre-arrival webinar covering key practical and logistical information. This session also allows families and partners to ask questions and better understand what to expect during the student’s stay.

More Features

Emerald offers a highly personalised learning experience with small classroom groups, allowing students to receive individual attention and actively participate in lessons. This creates an engaging and supportive academic environment. Our programmes go beyond the classroom with a diverse calendar of cultural activities, guided excursions, and visits to some of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks, helping students discover the country while practicing their English in real-life contexts. Students are immersed in a truly multicultural and safe environment, where they can build confidence and make friends from around the world. With 24/7 supervision and assistance, we ensure the well-being of our students and provide peace of mind for both students and parents throughout their stay.

Testimonials

My experience in Dublin has been truly exciting! With so many activities and new things to learn, I’ve stayed engaged and inspired every day.
Wonderful school! My son brought back a lot of impressions from a friendly country and many new friends from around the world. For my daughter, we no longer had any doubts about where we would go to improve English. After a month of classes, she also, like her brother, noticeably improved in English. Moreover, in addition to studying, there were many interesting excursions, sports and educational activities. I would like to note the responsiveness and professionalism of the school staff. There is a desire – to return there again and again.
I wanted to thank you and your entire team for providing such a wonderful summer experience for our students, they had an amazing time! Thank you for the constant support and help to Tamara, her mother asked to express her immense gratitude.
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say a huge thank you for taking such great care of our students during their stay. They had an amazing time, and I know a big part of that was down to you and your team. The students couldn’t stop raving about how great their host families were. It really made their experience in Ireland so much better. We really appreciate all the effort Emerald team put in to make sure our students had such a great experience. We’re already looking forward to the next time!

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