Holy Family Secondary School
School Details
Location
About
Holy Family Secondary School is a Catholic, girls‑only, all‑ability day school in Newbridge that places the development of the whole person at the centre of its ethos. Drawing on the philosophy of Fr Pierre Bienvenu Noailles, the school nurtures academic excellence alongside spiritual, emotional and social growth, fostering a “family” spirit that encourages kindness, respect, gentleness and togetherness. A broad curriculum covers the core subjects and offers a wide range of optional subjects, while a strong emphasis on the arts and sport provides a holistic education that balances intellectual rigour with creative and physical activity. The school benefits from purpose‑built facilities that have been expanded over several decades, including modern classrooms, science laboratories, art rooms and extensive sports amenities supporting activities such as Gaelic football, soccer, camogie and athletics. A vibrant extracurricular programme offers clubs ranging from drama and photography to ukulele and craft, reinforcing the community‑focused environment and giving pupils ample opportunities to explore interests beyond the classroom.
History
The origins of secondary education for girls in Newbridge date to 1948 when a “Secondary Top” was established under Monsignor Miller, with six pupils sitting the Intermediate Certificate in 1950. On 7 September 1959 the town’s first dedicated secondary school for girls opened, enrolling 75 pupils and a staff of five. New purpose‑built premises were blessed in 1965 and officially opened in September 1967, with further extensions added in 1982 and a final expansion later under the auspices of the Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin. In 1992 the Holy Family Sisters transferred ownership to the Diocese, establishing a Board of Management and appointing the first lay principal, while retaining the school’s family‑centred ethos.