Cistercian College Roscrea has welcomed female students for the first time in its 120-year history, marking the beginning of its transition to co-education.
Nine girls have joined the Co Tipperary school this year following last year’s announcement that the traditionally all-boys college would open its doors to female students.
The move marks a significant change for the college, which was founded in 1905.
The first cohort of girls will attend as day boarders, with plans to expand full boarding facilities for both boys and girls in the coming years.
There are now 259 students at the college, including 250 boys and nine girls across junior and senior cycle. Boys attend as both day and boarding students.
President of Cistercian College Roscrea, Colm Maloney, described the arrival of the first female students as a landmark moment.
“Today is a landmark day in the history of Cistercian College Roscrea as we welcome girls to our school for the first time,” he said.
He said staff, students, parents and the wider college community had worked over the past year to prepare for the change, adding that there was “a real sense of excitement and optimism” as the school began its new chapter.
Mr Maloney said the move would allow the college to evolve while remaining true to the values that have underpinned it for more than 120 years.
Chair of the Board of Cistercian College, Kevin Keegan, said it was “an enormously proud moment” for everyone associated with the school.
He said the move reinforced the college’s commitment to providing an inclusive environment where both boys and girls could learn, develop and thrive.
The transition to co-education follows extensive consultation and planning involving the college’s Patron, school leadership, teachers and staff, parents and former students.
The college says it will continue to develop its co-educational offering in the coming years, including expanding boarding facilities for girls and boys.