Local boarding school Cistercian College Roscrea – which has been educating only boys since 1905 – is to consider becoming co-educational from September 2026.
The private school, which only began accepting day pupils for the first time in 2017, have informed parents and past pupils of the proposal this morning.
“After careful consideration and planning, we are very pleased to announce a
consultation process around an exciting proposal – whereby from September 2026, Cistercian College would transition from being an all-boys boarding school to a co-
educational institution,” president Colm Moloney said in an email.
“This proposal would initially see day boarding offered to girls in 1st/Transition Year and 5th Year from autumn next year, with the long-term goal of expanding to provide full day and boarding services for both girls and boys across both junior and senior cycles by 2030.”
Mr Moloney added that the school has grown the roll, year on year, in recent years with the current first year group being the “largest number in some years”.
“We have made great progress inside and outside the classroom, ensuring the college is set up for the future.”
“To do so properly for the community, we must now include the whole family in our offering. A place where all the family can strive to achieve and progress in a faith filled, caring and nurturing, home away from home.
“We recognise that such a change will bring both opportunities and challenges, and we are committed to ensuring that this transition is as smooth and positive as possible for all our staff and students.
“It is essential that we work together as a team to ensure we maintain the high standards of education and care that Cistercian College is known for while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.”
Prior to opening to day pupils in 2017, Roscrea had been one of just three remaining all-boys, seven-day, boarding schools in the country, alongside Clongowes in Clane in Kildare and Glenstal Abbey in Limerick. Since 2017, five-day and day-boarding options have also become available.
Currently, local boarding school options include the likes of Kilkenny College (mixed), Rockwell College in Cashel (mixed), Presentation Thurles (girls only) and Ursuline Thurles (girls only).
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