Mercy Secondary School Westmeath
School Details
Location
About
Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan is a voluntary co‑educational secondary school founded in 1964 by the Sisters of Mercy. Guided by the gospel and legacy of Catherine McAuley, the school places a strong emphasis on supporting the poor and disadvantaged, fostering a caring and inclusive community where students feel safe and valued. The curriculum is delivered within a modern, state‑of‑the‑art campus that was opened in 2023, providing contemporary classrooms, specialist laboratories, and extensive ICT resources to support a broad range of academic subjects. The school also prioritises holistic development through a wide array of extracurricular activities. Students regularly compete in debating, business‑focused mini‑company projects, and athletics such as cross‑country, reflecting a commitment to personal growth beyond the classroom. Physical education is well‑resourced, with dedicated playing fields, pitches and a fully equipped gymnasium, encouraging fitness and teamwork. Together, these facilities and programmes aim to nurture each learner’s potential in a supportive, enjoyable environment.
History
Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan traces its origins to 1948 when Mother Philomena McDonald began teaching secondary pupils in a few rooms of the local National School. The school achieved its first Leaving Certificate success in 1952 with a 100 % pass rate. In 1964 the institution became one of the first convent schools in Ireland to admit boys, expanding its facilities and staff to accommodate co‑education. The 1980s saw further growth, including the introduction of European tours. A landmark change occurred in 1999 with the appointment of the first lay principal, and in 2023 the school relocated to a new, purpose‑built campus, continuing its tradition of educational excellence.