120-year-old school in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, will become a co-educational secondary school
Cistercian College in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, will become a co-educational secondary school for the first time since it was founded in 1905.
President of Cistercian College Colm Maloney, told the Irish Independent: “We want to cater for entire families, for boys and girls – for sisters to attend the same, as their brothers. It’s a hugely historic decision, as Cistercian College has been a boys only school for 120 years.
“The Cistercian Order and school as a whole, feel we should extend to girls and the whole family. This reflects society and workplaces. We want to make sure we’re part of the future.
“It can only have a positive effect on gender equality. What we’re doing is mirroring a societal shift in Ireland, under way for a number of years. It’s great to see the Cisterccian Order, our patrons, are fully behind the move as well.”
Despite the apparent good intentions of the school, the option to send a child or children to a boarding school remains one for wealthier families, however. Currently the fees for seven-day boarding are €18,493.
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Meanwhile a five-day boarding fee is €17,493 and day fees are €8,700.
The school is renowned for its sporting achievements and facilities. It has a golf academy and PGA professional Bobby King, is director of golf there. While Ireland and Munster rugby underage coach Mark Butler is the director of rugby.
Mr Maloney said he wanted to see girls being offered the same academic, musical and sporting opportunities as boys at the school.
“Some boarding schools like ours, in the country, have catered for boys only and will remain that way,” he said. “But we wanted to move to become more equal. We have open days and when we couldn’t offer the same place to half of the room, it’s a disappointment to girls, who feel they’re excluded on the grounds of sex. We don’t want that, especially when their brothers and male friends are coming here.”
Last year, local schoolgirls visited Cistercian to participate in an opera. Mr Maloney said the experience “lifted the standard and shows girls belong here.”
“We aren’t worried about what people think,” Mr Maloney said. “ It’s the right thing to do in terms of education, for the future of the college and it’s only right that girls and boys are together in primary school, secondary school, college and the workplace.
“I think it could also help relations in future, having girls and boys together, in education, all throughout education. They will be friends and there won’t be any of that awkwardness because they didn’t go to school together.”
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.
A spokesperson for the school said it has grown its enrolment in recent years, with the current first year having achieved the largest number in some years. There are currently 260 day and boarding junior and senior cycle boys.
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 Kevin Keegan said: “This is a very 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, added: “The Community of Our Lady of Silence 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 of 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.”
Parents and students can visit the school’s website for further details and updates on the transition process. Cistercian College will host a series of open days and information sessions for prospective families in the coming months.
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