A list of some of the top schools in the greater Dublin area

Coláiste Eoin, Stillorgan

Number of first-year places available 2005/2006: 81

Number of applications: 139

Criteria for allocation, in order of priority: Siblings and relatives, named feeder school students

In 2005, how many places were left for students who did not fulfil the above criteria? None

How far into the future does your waiting list extend? 2017

If a student applied for the academic year 2005/2006 today, would they be likely to secure a place? No.

Alexandra College, Milltown, Dublin

Number of first-year places available 2005/2006: 108

Number of applications: More than 200

Criteria for allocation, in order of priority:

Students of Alexandra Junior School, children of Church of Ireland families, siblings and relatives

In 2005, how many places were left for students who did not fulfil the above criteria?

Around 50 per cent (places allocated by order of registration)

How far into the future does your waiting list extend? 2017

If a student applied for the academic year 2005/2006 today, would she be likely to secure a place? No.

Newpark Comprehensive, Blackrock

Number of first-year places available 2005/2006: 140

Number of applications: 170

Criteria for allocation, in order of priority: Named feeder schools

In 2005, how many places were left for students who did not fulfil the above criteria? 46 (places allocated by order of registration)

How far into the future does your waiting list extend? 2017

If a student applied for the academic year 2005/2006 today, would they be likely to secure a place? "You never know"

St Andrew's, Booterstown, Dublin

Number of first-year places available 2005/2006: 150

Number of applications: 350

Criteria for allocation, in order of priority: Students of St Andrew's Junior School, Presbyterians, mix of girls and boys, siblings, interdenominational, international, relatives of past pupils

In 2005, how many places were left for students who did not fulfil the above criteria? None

How far into the future does your waiting list extend? 2017

If a student applied for the academic year 2005/2006 today, would they be likely to secure a place? No.

Portmarnock Community School

Number of first-year places available 2005/2006: 180

Number of applications: 160

Criteria for allocation, in order of priority: Feeder schools

In 2005, how many places were left for students who did not fulfil the above criteria? Every student who applied was offered a place.

How far into the future does your waiting list extend? No applications accepted until November for following September

If a student applied for the academic year 2005/2006 today, would they be likely to secure a place? Yes

Coláiste Íosagáin, Stillorgan, Dublin

Number of first-year places allocated 2005/2006: 72

Number of applications: 144

Criteria for allocation, in order of priority: Siblings, local Gaelscoileanna students, local English-medium school students, newer local Gaelscoileanna

In 2005, how many places were left for students who did not fulfil the above criteria? None

How far into the future does your waiting list extend? No applications accepted until students reach fifth class in primary school.

If a student applied for the academic year 2005/2006 today, would they be likely to secure a place? No.

Loreto College, Foxrock

Number of first-year places available 2005/2006: 120

Number of applications: 155

Criteria for allocation, in order of priority: Siblings and relatives of current and former pupils, daughters of staff, first come first served

In 2005, how many places were left for students who did not fulfil the above criteria? N/A

How far into the future does your waiting list extend? Registrations are taken only when students reach fifth class in primary school

If a student applied for the academic year 2005/2006 today, would she be likely to secure a place? No.