Famed Midlands boarding school to become co-ed

Cistercian College Roscrea, one of Ireland’s leading boarding schools, and known to many as Mount St Joseph's, has announced its intention to transition to a co-educational model, in accordance with a decision by its patron, the Superior and Community of Our Lady of Silence.

The college, located inside the Offaly border outside Roscrea, will welcome both boys and girls as day boarders, beginning in September 2026.

Founded in 1905, Cistercian College has a rich tradition of providing a values-driven, high-quality education. The move to co-education reflects the school’s dedication to inclusivity and the evolving educational landscape.

While the initial phase will introduce day boarding for girls, plans are in place to expand full boarding facilities for all students in the coming years. Since its foundation, more than 5,000 young men have been sent out into the world with a shared sense of faith, ethos and striving to achieve, to reach their potential and beyond.

More recently the College has grown its enrolment, year on year, with the current first year having achieved the largest number in some years.

There are currently 260 day and boarding junior and senior cycle boys and the school now wants include the whole family in its offering.

The President of Cistercian College Roscrea, Colm Maloney: “We are thrilled today to be announcing what we consider a very significant and progressive step for what has been an all-boys school since its inception in 1905.

"Our proposed transition to a co-education model aligns with our mission to provide an exceptional learning environment that nurtures academic excellence, openness to faith, leadership, and personal growth. From the academic year commencing in September 2026, we hope to welcome young women for the first time into our expanding school community, opening a new chapter in the provision of outstanding education to all. We want to be a home for everyone in the family, our uniqueness is that we are a small school which remains on the big stage, always.”

The Abbess of St Mary’s Abbey, Glencairn, Mother immediate of the community of Our Lady of Silence, Mother Marie Fahy said: “Along with The Community of Our Lady of Silence, I express my wholehearted support for the historic changes proposed for Cistercian College and we are greatly reassured to hear that the respected legacy of this college may soon extend to young girls, as well as boys. We pray for all those entrusted with the important job of preparing young people for life at such a formative time as well as all those young people who will undoubtedly benefit from this welcome decision.”

Chair of the Board of Cistercian College Kevin Keegan said it was timely for the college to open itself to change, to adapt and be more future focussed in our orientation and thinking.

The co-education transition process is being managed in consultation with key stakeholders, including the Patron, school leadership, teachers and staff, parents and alumni.

Cistercian College Roscrea will host a series of open days and information sessions for prospective families in the coming months.