Two Cork schools in ‘positive’ move to co-ed

CONFIRMATION that both Presentation Secondary School, Ballyphehane, and St Patrick’s College on Gardiner’s Hill plan to become co-educational schools from next September has been hailed as “positive” news.

After a 57-year history as an all-girls school, Presentation Secondary School Ballyphehane will transition to a co-educational school in September 2024.

The decision was made following a consultative process with the school’s board of management, staff, parents council, and student council as well as parent bodies and schools in the community.

St Patrick’s College, which is currently an all-girls school, will be accepting male first-year students for the first-time next September.

Principal Brian Cronin told The Echo the decision was made because of local demand.

Independent councillor Mick Finn, who also serves as the chair of the board of Coláiste Éamann Rís, said that the change for the schools is a “practical” one which will benefit families.

Coláiste Éamann Rís was established as a co-educational school in 2019, having previously accepted male students as Deerpark CBS.

Mr Finn was involved in the process of changing their school status and said facilitating both male and female students “makes sense”.

“It gives a practical solution to family situations where parents might have sons and daughters and they attend primary school together,” he said.

“A lot of the primary schools are co-educational, so it makes much more sense from a secondary school point of view to do likewise. It suits family needs and that is a big motivation in determining why schools do it. I think parents want that kind of choice,” said Mr Finn.

“The choices for single-sex schools are still there and all options are available for parents. It is hugely positive. The experience of Coláiste Éamann Rís has been wholly successful and beneficial to the school. It has led to over a threefold increase in numbers which has safeguarded the future of an historic school.

“The options are still there for families who want to attend a single-sex school,” he added.

The North Monastery Secondary School became a co-educational school earlier this month, while Nano Nagle College, previously known as Presentation Secondary School, also began life in September 2023 with a brand-new name as the Farranree-based school ushered in a new era as a co-educational secondary school.