The minute you drive into Knockbeg College you instantly get a sense that it’s no ordinary school.
The long tree-lined avenue, the acres of space and the old building, now side-by-side with the new one.
The walls of the school corridors are weighed down with imagery and awards, celebrating the achievements of its students over the years.
Indeed, Knockbeg has been an institution of education for more than two centuries now. “233 years of rich and proud history,” says its promotional flyer that is going into primary schools in the region ahead of its Open Evening on Monday, September 22.
This is a school very proud of its past and very much in touch with its wider school community of past students, staff and parents. Knockbeg is a community as well as a school.
Yet though it prides itself on its idyllic rural location, it is only 3km from Carlow town.
In all, the current student body of 515 students is drawn from four counties: Laois, Carlow, Kildare and Wicklow. Its current first year group of 72 students came from 26 different primary schools.
But while it trades on its tradition and culture and is very proud of the high academic achievements of its most recent Leaving Cert class, they’re also constantly upgrading the curriculum.
For the 2026-2027 school year it will be introducing the Leaving Cert Applied programme for the first time alongside the 19 subjects that are already offered. They’ve also recently reformed the TY programme.
There’s also further major plans in place to enhance the school’s sporting facilities.
“We’re always looking to find what’s right for our students,” says principal John Maye.
“One thing we always find with our students here is that they love the space. The campus here is a major positive.
“We place a huge value on the close relationship between staff and students and there is always an emphasis on respect, pride and that anyone in the school can make a small difference and give everyone a lift.”
St Mary’s Knockbeg College
- 233 years of rich and proud history
- A strong and supportive community
- Highest standards of educational achievement
- Just 3km from Carlow town
- 14 acres of campus in a rural setting
- A place where every student can learn and grow
- A tradition of extra- and co-curricular activities
- Inclusive provision for every student
- A school for life
St Mary’s Knockbeg College Open Evening takes place on Monday, September 22, from 6pm to 9pm.
All 5th and 6th class students are welcome.
Check out the Knockbeg College website here
