Scoil Ruain - A Warm Welcome, A Bright Future

A new chapter for Scoil Ruáin: Major extension set to transform Killenaule school

Killenaule is set to welcome one of the most significant investments in the town's educational history, as Scoil Ruáin's long-awaited school extension moves toward construction, promising modern facilities, new classroom space, and purpose-built accommodation for students with additional needs.

The two-storey extension, to be built onto the front of the existing school building, will add five new mainstream classrooms and permanent, purpose-built accommodation for all three of the school's existing ASD classes, along with a new music room.

A new entrance foyer will greet visitors at ground level, alongside a reception and administration area, three new meeting rooms, and revised parking for the school community. Internal works will also see improvements made throughout the existing building.

The project has now reached the construction tender stage, marking a major milestone after several years of planning, design and engagement with the Department of Education.

Scoil Ruáin operates under the patronage of Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB), and the extension forms part of the Department's ongoing capital investment in school infrastructure nationally.

“This extension represents a huge step forward for our school community,” said Scoil Ruáin Principal James Williams.

“It will give our students, both in mainstream classes and in our ASD provision, the modern, purpose-built spaces they deserve. We are enormously grateful to everyone in the Department of Education, Tipperary ETB, and our own school community who has helped bring this project to this stage.”

Scoil Ruáin, a co-educational, multi-denominational post-primary school participating in the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) programme, currently educates over 360 students drawn from Killenaule and the surrounding area.

The school offers the Junior Cycle, an optional Transition Year programme, the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, Leaving Certificate Applied, and the established Leaving Certificate, alongside a growing international students programme.

The new building will provide much-needed additional capacity as the school continues to grow, while giving all three of the school's established ASD classes a permanent, purpose-built home for the first time — reflecting a strong and continued commitment to inclusive education for students of all abilities.

It builds on the ethos captured in the school's own motto, Ad Totam Personam — educating the whole person — and its guiding philosophy that Scoil Ruáin is “a school where every child matters.”

Construction is due to start in 2027 and the school community will be watching closely as the project advances toward what promises to be one of the most significant developments in Scoil Ruáin's history.

Outstanding Achievement – 625 Points

We are immensely proud of Edel Hayes, who achieved an exceptional 625 points in her Leaving Certificate. Edel’s fantastic achievement is a testament to her hard work, determination and commitment throughout her years at Scoil Ruáin.

Edel made a wonderful contribution to school life, and we are delighted to celebrate this very special milestone with her. Her success reflects both her own dedication and the encouragement and support of family, teachers and the wider school community.

We wish Edel every happiness and success as she begins the next chapter of her journey.

“I’ve really enjoyed my 6 years in Scoil Ruáin. I’ve had the opportunity to achieve my academic goals, develop friendships, participate in sports, travel to Paris and Italy and grow as an individual. The support of teachers and staff really enhanced my experience here,” Edel Hayes.

Sports Hub

At Scoil Ruáin, we believe that sport, movement and physical activity should offer something for everyone.

The Sports Hub has been developed with that belief, creating a welcoming, active space where our students can participate, develop their interests, try something new and enjoy being part of school life.

Something For Everyone

Not every student enjoys the same sport. Whether a young person loves GAA, soccer or basketball, enjoys gym and strength training, prefers individual activity or simply wants an opportunity to become more active, we want them to feel that there is a place for them here.

Our facilities support school teams, PE, strength and conditioning, fitness and recreational activity, while continuing to evolve as the interests and needs of our students develop.

From Our Students to Our Community

When the school day ends, the Sports Hub continues. Our facilities are now opened to the wider community, providing a welcoming local space for Open Gym, Fitness & Strength Classes, Pilates, Indoor Soccer, Team Training, Sporting Activities & Community programmes.

Local clubs, teams, coaches and organisations use our facilities, allowing the Sports Hub to bring people of different ages and interests through the doors of Scoil Ruáin.

It means the same facilities our students benefit from during their school day become a resource for their families and the wider community in the evenings and weekends.

Supporting Sport at Every Level

We are proud to support the development of sport across our school and community. Our facilities provide a home for a variety of teams, sports and activities, from grassroots and recreational participation through to competitive and performance sports.

We are fortunate to have experienced coaches and sporting professionals involved across our programmes, including Irish International basketball coach Niall Berry, who contributes to our school basketball programme and the development of basketball within the wider community.

The Sports Hub at Scoil Ruáin is also proud to be the home venue for Tipp Talons National League Men’s Basketball, further strengthening the connection between our students, our facilities and sport beyond the school gates.

More Than a Sports Facility

The Sports Hub represents something bigger than a gym or sports hall. It is about creating opportunities for the student who loves competing, the student discovering a new activity, the person taking their first steps towards becoming more active, the local team looking for somewhere to train, or the adult who simply wants to train closer to home.

Through the Sports Hub, Scoil Ruáin continues to strengthen the connection between our students, our school and the community around us.

Digital School

We provide each student with their own device so they can confidently navigate today’s digital world.

Our goal is to help students become independent learners by using technology that supports their unique learning styles.

We teach children how to use digital tools like Microsoft Word and Excel safely and responsibly - skills they'll use for life.

We prepare students for the future by helping them work together online, just like they’ll do in college or the workplace.

Having a 1:1 device gives students full ownership of their work and constant access to key tools - essential for CBAs and the New Leaving Cert.

Curriculum

Scoil Ruain offers an extensive curriculum, where 1st year students get the opportunity to try all subjects, 14 in total. We also have PE as a Leaving Cert subject. Our vibrant, enthusiastic and dedicated teaching staff are committed to helping students achieve their potential.

Extra Curricular Activities

Our extra-curricular programme offers students a wide range of opportunities to develop their talents, interests and leadership skills beyond the classroom.

Students can participate in a variety of sporting activities including Basketball, Hurling, Gaelic Football, Soccer and Athletics, while those with academic and creative interests can engage in Debating, Young Environmentalist, Young Scientist and Student Enterprise initiatives.

Additional opportunities include Gardening Club, Book Club, Music Recitals, the Annual School Musical and the prestigious Gaisce Award, ensuring every student has the chance to become involved, develop new skills and enjoy a well-rounded school experience.

School Tours

Students derive a great deal of educational benefit from participating in well planned school tours and field trips.

Such activities give students the opportunity to engage in experiences not available in the classroom, and help to develop their imaginative skills, encourage greater independence and enhance their social and cultural development.

For example:

• Senior Ski Trip
• European City Trip
• Belfast Tour including the Giants Causeway
• Introductory Team Building trips at the beginning of each year
• A host of class trips and outings.
• Academic field trips in Science & Geography.

Community Involvement

Our TY students form a very important link with the different groups within our community. They work with the local community centre, helping out with events and visit the elderly at Christmas time, delivering handmade gifts which they make themselves.

Our students were also involved in a makeover of the local library last year where they painted some beautiful artwork on the walls.

Sustainability

At Scoil Ruain, sustainability is at the heart of our school community. We are committed to protecting the environment and empowering our students to become responsible global citizens through meaningful action and education.

As part of our commitment to a greener future, we recently installed solar panels on our school campus. By generating clean, renewable energy, these panels help to reduce our carbon footprint while promoting environmental awareness among our students and the wider school community.

We have also introduced a new waste management system with clearly labelled recycling and compost bins throughout the school. These bins encourage students and staff to separate waste correctly and help reduce the amount of material sent to landfill.

Increasing recycling and composting rates remains a key focus for our school, and we continue to promote sustainable habits through education and daily practice.

Our environmental achievements extend beyond the classroom. Scoil Ruain is a proud participant in the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards, which celebrate young people taking positive action for the environment.

In 2024, our students achieved outstanding success by winning the Overall Junior Award. Building on this achievement, we were delighted to qualify for the 2026 Finals in the RDS, Dublin, showcasing the innovation, dedication and environmental leadership of our students.

(Our 2nd Year YEA team (2026) who qualified for the final at the RDS with their project ‘Ireland 2050 - The Future We Choose’)

Looking to the future, Scoil Ruain is planning the development of a student-led outdoor classroom. This exciting project will provide a unique learning space where students can connect with nature, develop practical environmental skills and take an active role in shaping their surroundings.

The outdoor classroom will further support our commitment to sustainability, wellbeing and hands-on learning.

Through these initiatives and achievements, Scoil Ruain continues to foster a culture of sustainability, encouraging every member of our school community to play an active role in creating a cleaner, greener future.

Application

Application Process for Incoming 1st Years

Application forms and information regarding our Admission policy will be delivered by the Principal and representatives from Scoil Ruáin to our local primary schools for 6th class pupils.

These forms will also be available at our Open Night on Thursday 24th September, 2026.

Completed forms must be returned to the school office before the closing date of Friday November 13th, 2026.

Contact us:

www.scoilruain.ie | Tel: 0529156332 | Email: [email protected]

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