Apollo Language Centre opened in 2016 and is owner-directed — Steven O'Dwyer and Aoife Govern run it directly, which shows in how the school operates. It's smaller and more attentive than larger schools. The adult centre runs year-round on Lad Lane in Dublin 2, with three additional summer campuses for students aged 11–17.
Apollo won the Study Travel Star Award for Best Junior Programme globally in 2018, 2019, and 2020/2021 — three consecutive years. That's an unusually strong performance for a school opened only a few years before. It also won the Star New School award and was a finalist for English Language School Europe. The awards are for junior programmes specifically, but they reflect the quality of the overall operation.
Class sizes are capped at 14 students. The school collects end-of-week and end-of-course feedback, and the team follows up on any issues within 24 hours. That's a genuine commitment to responsiveness that larger schools don't typically maintain.
Why students choose Apollo
Three consecutive global awards
Apollo won the Study Travel Star Award for Best Junior Programme in 2018, 2019, and 2020/2021. It's the only English language school in Ireland to win this award three years running — a concrete external measure of quality.
Maximum 14 students per class
Every class is capped at 14. More speaking time per student, more individual feedback from teachers, and a classroom dynamic that's harder to manage in larger groups.
Owner-managed school
The founders run the school day to day. That's different from larger chains where management is distant. Student feedback gets acted on — the school's 24-hour follow-up commitment on issues is taken seriously.
Real-world English curriculum
Lessons are built around real situations rather than abstract grammar exercises. Morning classes run 20 hours per week; afternoon classes 15 hours. A 25-hour option is available in summer.
Work and Study programme
Apollo offers a 25-week Study and Work programme. Students study part-time (20 hours per week) during the course and can work full-time (40 hours) during the 10-week holiday break. A practical arrangement for students funding their stay.
Exam preparation options
IELTS Focus, FCE Focus, and CAE Focus courses run alongside the general programme. All start on Mondays with rolling enrolment.
Course options
Facilities
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