Course information · Summer programmes
English courses for children aged 4–12
Children study in Kidzone, a dedicated teaching area at our main school on Muckross Road. Choose morning English classes only, or morning English with afternoon activities.
Ages 4–12
Choose your programme
Two course options.
GE1 · Morning classes
General English
€350 per child / week
- 15 hours of General English group classes
- 9:45am–1:00pm, Monday to Friday, including a break
- Summer programme for children aged 4–12
- Afternoon activities are optional extras
GE3 · English + activities
English + Afternoon Activities
€500 per child / week
- 15 hours of General English group classes
- 15 hours of afternoon activities
- Morning classes: 9:45am–1:00pm
- Afternoon activities: 2:00–5:00pm, Monday to Friday
Prices are per child, per week. Accommodation and airport transfers are additional. See the calendar for programme dates and the Prices page for other costs.
Teaching location & facilities
What is Kidzone?
Kidzone is the dedicated children’s area behind the main school building on Muckross Road, beside Killarney National Park. It has four classrooms, a performance area, picnic tables and a large play area.
Adult classes take place on the same site, in separate teaching spaces. This allows parents studying with us to be close to their children while each age group attends its own classes.
Teachers use approaches suited to young learners. A children’s coordinator supports teachers and students and organises the afternoon programme.
Class sizes
The maximum summer class size is 10 children. Children are grouped according to their age and English ability.
Placement & learning
How is my child’s level decided?
Children aged 7–12 complete a short online placement test before arrival. On the first morning, teachers assess their English again through spoken interaction and a short written task. If a different level is more suitable, the teacher discusses a move with the children’s coordinator, school management and parents.
Children aged 4–6 do not take a formal entry test. Their lessons and placement are adapted to their age and needs.
Introductory
For younger children with little or no English, focusing on basic vocabulary and age-appropriate classroom activities.
Beginner
For children with little or no English who are ready to build their language skills through suitable classroom tasks.
Elementary
For children who know vocabulary for everyday topics and have some understanding of basic structures, such as the present simple.
Pre-intermediate
For children with a wider everyday vocabulary and some knowledge of present, past and future forms.
See examples in our children’s English levels playlist ↗.
Lesson content
What do children study?
The curriculum combines communicative English teaching with role play, songs and games. Activities are chosen to make learning engaging and suitable for the children’s age and level, with the aim of developing language skills and a positive experience of learning English.
GE3 · 2:00–5:00pm
Afternoon activities.
The children’s activity programme combines creative sessions, outdoor activities and local visits. The proposed 2027 timetable includes:
- Jaunting-car rides and playground visits
- Nature trails and project work around Muckross Abbey
- Traditional Irish music and Irish dancing
- Arts and crafts, clay modelling and drama
- Sports and team games
- Visits to Muckross Traditional Farms and Kennedy’s Pet Farm
Activities may change because of weather, availability, safety considerations or other circumstances. Saturday school excursions are for teenagers and are not included in the children’s programme.
Tap the timetable to open it at full size and zoom in.
Friday morning
Our Friday performance.
Parents are invited to the children’s Friday performance in Kidzone, normally from 11:20am to 12:00 noon. Children share work prepared during the week in lessons and activities.
- Songs rehearsed by the classes
- A short Irish dance or traditional music piece
- A short drama performance using props made during creative activities
- Certificates for children finishing their course that week
The team will confirm the arrangements during your stay. Friday’s performance forms part of the morning programme.
The children’s learning environment
Photos from Kidzone and activities.
Existing parent videos
Parents describe their experience.
Parents of children aged 4–6
Parents of children aged 7–12
Included in the course fee
Materials and practical support.
- All course materials
- An information pack on arrival
- School bus transport within Killarney
- A certificate of attendance and achievement on completion
- A photograph of the class in the final week
- Access to self-study resources
- Free bike rental, on a first-come, first-served basis
- No enrolment or application fee
Booking and further information.
Contact us with your child’s age, preferred dates and course choice. We can confirm availability and help you plan a family booking.
Download a brochure
Explore our English programmes and plan your time in Killarney.
Watch our school video
Would you like more information?
If you have any questions, please email us at info@ksoe.com.
Automated information helper. For personal advice, contact our team.