Summerhill College to become co-educational school from September 2025
SUMMERHILL College, 166 years after it was founded, is set to become a co-educational post primary school. After an extensive research and consultation process towards the end of the last academic year, the proposal was widely welcomed by an overwhelming majority by Parents/ Guardians, Staff, Students, and Alumni.
During the consultation process it was noted that the educational landscape in Ireland is rapidly changing. Many other Diocesan Colleges in Ireland have, or are in the process of, moving towards making provision for co-education in their local area which is seen as more reflective of society, of family and of the broader community. Welcoming the move Bishop Kevin
Doran, Bishop of Elphin and the college Patron, congratulated the Board of Management on this initiative saying that “the educational experience of young people in our school will undoubtedly be enriched by this change.”
Mr Eugene Toolan, chairperson of the Board of Management thanked everyone involved with the consultation process and highlighted that “this historic milestone for the College is in keeping with research into the many positive benefits of co-education.” Summerhill College was founded by the then Bishop of Elphin, Dr. Gillooly, in Summerhill, Athlone in 1857. It was transferred to Sligo in 1880 and has been a key part of the community of Sligo for over 130 years. A Board of
Management has been in place since 1998 and they control the conduct, management and financial administration of the college. It is composed of Parent, Teacher and Patron nominees. Welcoming the decision, the College Principal, Mr Paul Keogh, noted that Summerhill continues to reimagine and articulate its founding intention in the context of the changes within society but also more importantly it continues to respond to the needs of the local community.
“We look forward to welcoming girls in our first year cohort from September 2025 and in the coming years. We have no doubt that the College will continue to positively influence the educational experience of the young people of Sligo.”