Cistercian College Roscrea welcomes first female pupils
President of Cistercian College Roscrea, Colm Maloney, said it is a landmark moment
It was historic day at Mount St. Joseph’s campus near Roscrea today, when nine girls have become the very first to be educated at Cistercian College in 120 years, joining 250 boys.
Cistercian College Roscrea has welcomed female students for the first time in its 120-year history, marking the beginning of its transition to co-education.
Nine girls have joined the Co Tipperary school this year following last year's announcement that the traditionally all-boys college would open its doors to female students.
The first group of girls will attend as day boarders, with plans to expand full boarding facilities for both boys and girls in the coming years.
There are now 259 students at the college, including 250 boys and nine girls across junior and senior cycle. Boys attend as both day and boarding students.
President of Cistercian College Roscrea, Colm Maloney, described the arrival of the first female students as a landmark moment.
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.