Cork's Coláiste Chríost Rí secondary school to enrol girls for first time from 2027

Cork secondary school to enrol girls for first time following consultation, marking major shift in its longstanding tradition

Coláiste Chríost Rí received confirmation last month that it has permission to enrol girls from September 2027. Picture: 

Coláiste Chríost Rí in Cork City will make a historic move in September 2027, transitioning from an all-boys school to 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 enrol girls from September 2027.

The move follows a period of consultation with parents, staff, and other stakeholders.

Coláiste Chríost Rí principal Pádraig Mac An Rí told the Irish Examiner the decision aims to meet the needs 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.” 

The school will begin by enrolling girls into first year in September 2027. It is expected to take up to six years for co-education to extend across all year groups, from first to sixth year.

Coláiste Chríost Rí has produced a number of well-known sporting figures, including Manchester United treble winner Denis Irwin, former Crystal Palace defender Damien Delaney, and Republic of Ireland international Chiedozie Ogbene.

The school also has strong links to Cork GAA, with former pupils including Billy Morgan and Dave Barry.

Mr Mac An Rí said he is proud to guide the school through a significant period of change.

“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.”