Cork city boys' school gears up to welcome girls next year

Coláiste Chríost Rí is making the historic move in September 2027 from an all-boys school to become a mixed secondary school.

The Turner’s Cross-based school, founded in 1960 and which counts Taoiseach Micheál Martin among its past pupils, received confirmation last month that it has permission to enroll girls from September of next year.

The move came about following a period of consultation with parents, staff and relevant school stakeholders.

Coláiste Chríost Rí principal Padraig Mac An Rí told The Echo the move is to cater for the needs and demands of the local community.

“After consulting all of our parents, we found out that there is a big desire for co-education. Lots of families want the option of co-ed. We did a lot of talking with our staff and they were very happy about it. So we decided, made a submission, and we got the confirmation there last month.

“Chríost Rí has a very strong tradition academically, sporting, everything. But equally I think Chríost Rí has always been a forward looking school.

“We must meet the needs of our community as much as everything else. From that point of view, we are very excited to make this change.

“It is what our families want and that is really the reason. We would hope the values and tradition of Chríost Rí will carry on into the co-education era.

“I wouldn’t see any of that changing. We will still be competitive on every front.” 

In terms of the logistics, Chríost Rí will commence by enrolling girls into first year in September 2027. It will take up to six years for the school to reach a point where it has co-education in every single year up from 1st to 6th year.

Chríost Rí also has a number of famous sporting stars as former students. They include Manchester United treble winner Denis Irwin, iconic Crystal Palace defender Damien Delaney and current Republic of Ireland international Chiedozie Ogbene.

The school is also steeped in Cork GAA. Many iconic names such as Billy Morgan and Dave Barry are former Chríost Rí pupils.

Mr Mac An Rí is proud to be helping to guide the school through a very significant moment in its history.

“I am delighted with really the way in which the stakeholders have responded to the whole thing and the backing that our stakeholders have given it.

“That is the important thing. Students, parents, staff, they have all bought into it and all see the benefits of it. So as principal that is what I am most proud of.

“I am happy that Chríost Rí is putting itself in a position to meet the needs of the community.”