Presentation Secondary School
School Details
About
Presentation Secondary School is a voluntary Catholic secondary school for girls situated in Mitchelstown, operating under the trusteeship of CEIST. The school’s ethos, encapsulated in the motto *Ad Vitam Paramus* (“We are preparing for life”), guides a holistic educational approach that balances academic rigour with spiritual, moral and personal development. The curriculum spans the Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle, including Leaving Certificate Applied, and is complemented by a strong emphasis on religious education, digital strategy, and sustainability initiatives. The campus provides a range of facilities to support a vibrant co‑curricular programme. Over the years the school has added a playing pitch, basketball courts and several building extensions, creating spaces for sport, music, visual arts and science projects such as the BT Young Scientist competition. Student support structures include pastoral care, guidance and counselling, and a child‑centred learning programme that nurtures confidence and life‑skills. Strong community links with parents, clergy and local organisations further enrich the learning environment, fostering a caring and cooperative community where each girl can thrive.
History
The school traces its origins to 14 June 1853 when three Presentation Sisters arrived from Doneraile at the invitation of Rev. Morgan O’Brien, the local parish priest. The convent opened its doors on 4 July 1853, enrolling 637 children of all ages. A new primary school building began in 1909, and in 1934 a Secondary Top was established to offer education to the Intermediate Certificate level. Extensions in 1954 and a change of status in 1966 transformed the institution into a Voluntary Secondary School under the Department of Education’s Secondary Branch. Subsequent developments added a playing pitch, basketball courts and further extensions. In February 2008 the school’s trusteeship transferred to CEIST, continuing the legacy of Nano Nagle’s educational philosophy.