Tipperary secondary school announces transition to co-education model for 2026

Cistercian College Roscrea, one of Ireland’s leading boarding schools, has announced its intention to transition to a co-educational model, in accordance with a decision by its Patron, the Superior and Community of Our Lady of Silence.

The College will welcome both boys and girls as day boarders, beginning in September 2026. This move will mark a new chapter for the school, reinforcing its commitment to holistic student development, academic excellence and a future-focused approach to education.

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Founded in 1905, Cistercian College has a rich tradition of providing a values-driven, high-quality education.

The move to co-education reflects the school’s dedication to inclusivity and the evolving educational landscape.

While the initial phase will introduce day boarding for girls, plans are in place to expand full boarding facilities for all students in the coming years.

Since its foundation, the College has had a profound impact on Irish society, on local communities, on families and on individuals.

More than 5,000 young men have been sent out into the world with a shared sense of faith, ethos and striving to achieve, to reach their potential and beyond.

More recently the College has grown its enrolment, year on year, with the current first year having achieved the largest number in some years.

The College continues to invest significantly inside and outside the classroom, ensuring that it is well set up for the future.

There are currently 260 day and boarding junior and senior cycle boys and the school now wants to include the whole family in its offering.

A place where all the family can strive to achieve and progress in a faith-filled, caring and nurturing, home away from home.

The President of Cistercian College Roscrea, Mr Colm Maloney, said: “We are thrilled today to be announcing what we consider a very significant and progressive step for what has been an all-boys school since its inception in 1905. Our proposed transition to a co-education model aligns with our mission to provide an exceptional learning environment that nurtures academic excellence, openness to faith, leadership, and personal growth. From the academic year commencing in September 2026, we hope to welcome young women for the first time into our expanding school community, opening a new chapter in the provision of outstanding education to all. We want to be a home for everyone in the family, our uniqueness is that we are a small school which remains on the big stage, always.”

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The Abbess of St Mary’s Abbey, Glencairn, Mother immediate of the community of Our Lady of Silence, Mother Marie Fahy, said: “Along with The Community of Our Lady of Silence, I express my wholehearted support for the historic changes proposed for Cistercian College and we are greatly reassured to hear that the respected legacy of this College may soon extend to young girls, as well as boys. We pray for all those entrusted with the important job of preparing young people for life at such a formative time as well as all those young people who will undoubtedly benefit from this welcome decision.”

Chair of the Board of Cistercian College, Mr Kevin Keegan, said: “This is a proud moment for the College, its management, the teachers, and wider staff and for us as board members. Cistercian College has an excellent academic record and is recognised as one of the country’s finest educational establishments. It is timely indeed therefore for us to open ourselves to change, to adapt and be more future focussed in our orientation and thinking. Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to providing a more inclusive learning experience to both girls and boys going forward.”

Dom Rufus Pound, Superior ad nutum of the Community of Our Lady of Silence, said: “Our Community is delighted to support this exciting new chapter in the history of the College. We continue to pray for the leadership, all the staff and students at the College, their families and the wider Cistercian College family. We look forward to welcoming young women and their families to the College and our campus.”

The co-education transition process is being carefully managed in consultation with key stakeholders, including the Patron, school leadership, teachers and staff, parents and alumni.

The College is committed to ensuring a smooth transition that will maintain the ambitious standards of education, pastoral care and faith formation for which it is renowned.

Parents, students, and interested parties are encouraged to visit the school’s website for further details and updates on the transition process.

Cistercian College Roscrea will host a series of open days and information sessions for prospective families in the coming months.