Killiney fee-paying school to mark 70th anniversary by welcoming boys for first time

A popular Killiney School will mark its 70th anniversary by welcoming boys to the school for the first time in its history.

St Joseph Of Cluny Secondary School, one of Ireland’s highest-ranked fee-charging schools, will open its doors to boys for the first time in September 2025.

Following discussions with local primary schools and parents, the Board, the Cluny order and The Le Chéile Schools Trust, the all-girls school has made the decision to meet the demands of families and wider society by admitting boys into what will be their 70th academic year, subject to final approval from the Department of Education.

Boys will be integrated on a phased basis, to enter First Year in 17 months, adding to the second level options for boys in the area.

St Joseph Of Cluny students Lauren Hardiman, Lucy Campbell and Rose Adam

Cluny is known for its high academic achievement, having been ranked 9th in the country last year, while also performing strongly on Inclusion, Music & Arts, sport and aims to maintain the warm and friendly culture as it enters the next phase of its illustrious history.

“Only the sign outside will change,” said Ben Healy, Cluny Principal, of the historic change.

“We are responding to societal needs in terms of inclusion and diversity, as well as adding to the number of places available – which has been an issue in the area in recent years.

“This is what parents want and we’ve also been approached by feeder schools looking for more places for boys.

“This is a significant change for the school, but nothing will change in terms of our class sizes and in our desire to provide the highest academic standards – this decision will allow us to widen our net to include siblings of both and all genders whose needs will be catered for with additional teachers who will join our team.

“We have a low student teacher ratio, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming boys to the mix from September 2025.”

‘Cluny Killiney’, as the school is widely known locally, is currently one of four all-girl schools in a square mile radius. It was founded by the French Missionary Order of St. Joseph of Cluny and is now a member of the Le Chéile Trust.

The Order has established a strong academic and holistic tradition in Killiney that is based on the principle of caring for the individual.

Sister Maeve Guinan, Head Provincial of the Cluny Order in Ireland and Great Britain, spoke of how special the next year will be: “It’s a very important year as it will mark our 70th year in Dublin and it’s a momentous one in that we will welcome boys for the very first time.

“This reflects our changing world and the changing local and societal demands, and we are delighted to be able to reflect and react to those.

“This new adventure will see us invest in new facilities and add extra-curricular activities, to ensure every student enjoys the same opportunities and rounded educational experiences that generations before them did.

“We will continue to engage with students, families and alumni to ensure the special Cluny culture is continued and that we can now offer it to a wider audience. Here’s to the next 70 years.”

An Open Day will be held on September 24 from 5-8pm.