Tipperary Cistercian College welcomes girls for the first time
Nine girls have become the very first to be educated at Cistercian College in 120 years, joining 250 boys
Cistercian College Roscrea has today welcomed female students for the first time in its 120-year history, marking a major milestone as the College begins its transition to co-education.
The arrival of the first cohort of nine girls follows last year’s announcement that Cistercian College would move from an all-boys school to a co-educational model.
The transition represents a significant new chapter for the College and reflects its commitment to providing a values-driven, high-quality education while continuing to evolve to meet the needs of students and families.
Founded in 1905, Cistercian College has a long tradition of academic excellence and holistic education. Girls joining the College this year will initially attend as day boarders, with plans to expand full boarding facilities for both girls and boys in the coming years.
The College now has 259 students, comprising 250 boys and nine girls across junior and senior cycle. Boys attend as both day and boarding students, while the first cohort of girls are joining the College as day boarders.
President of Cistercian College Roscrea, Mr Colm Maloney, said:
“Today is a landmark day in the history of Cistercian College Roscrea as we welcome girls to our school for the first time.
“Over the past year, our staff, students, parents and wider College community have worked hard to prepare for this moment, and there is a real sense of excitement and optimism as we begin this new chapter.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to ensuring that Cistercian College continues to evolve while remaining true to the values that have underpinned the school for more than 120 years. We are delighted to welcome our first female students and their families and look forward to the contribution they will make to College life in the years ahead.”
Chair of the Board of Cistercian College, Mr Kevin Keegan, said:
“This is an enormously proud moment for everyone associated with Cistercian College – our students and their families, management, teachers and staff, Board members, alumni and the wider community.
“Cistercian College has a proud academic record and a long-standing reputation for providing an outstanding educational experience. Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter and reinforces our commitment to creating an inclusive environment in which both boys and girls can learn, develop and thrive.”
The transition to co-education follows extensive consultation and planning with key stakeholders, including the College Patron, school leadership, teachers and staff, parents and alumni.