Founded in 1870, The High School Dublin started on Harcourt Street. It aimed to prepare boys for business. Back then, Erasmus Smith’s Trust already controlled four grammar schools. It also managed over 150 primary schools. The Trust educated tenants’ children. It also helped other poor scholars.
Imagine boys walking the pleasure grounds. Junior masters supervised them during lunch. Even then, The High School Dublin welcomed various religious backgrounds. One account noted many religions. There were Church of Ireland pupils and Presbyterians. There were also Plymouth Brethren and Methodists. Some pupils were Jewish or Roman Catholic.
Physical drill became part of education. A drill-sergeant was appointed in 1882. This created the School Sergeant position. The Sarge oversaw buildings. They supervised pupils and managed the school.
In 1971, The High School Dublin moved to Danum. The Trust purchased Danum in 1955. The government didn’t fully fund the new school. The Trust paid using its resources. It also sold Harcourt Street. Later, the Diocesan School for Girls joined. This made The High School Dublin co-educational.
Did you know W.B. Yeats attended The High School Dublin? He joined in 1881. Yeats found the school different. He noticed boys worked hard. Cricket and football were discouraged. Yeats wasn’t strong in English literature. Yet, his essays were noted. The Erasmian published his poem “What Then?”
Cricket started at The High School Dublin in 1875. By 1915, the 1st XI won the Leinster Cup. Hockey also became popular. The Irish Hockey Union was founded here. Rugby became the main winter sport. The High School Dublin won the Leinster Senior Cup in 1973.
Today, The High School Dublin continues its legacy. It accepts pupils from all backgrounds. It sticks to its values. The school is still faithful to its trust. It prepares students for the future.