Tarbert Comprehensive School
School Details
Location
About
Tarbert Comprehensive School is a co‑educational post‑primary institution situated on a 12‑acre site overlooking the Shannon Estuary in North Kerry. The school embraces a comprehensive ethos of inclusivity, welcoming pupils of all abilities, backgrounds and religious denominations. Its educational philosophy centres on mutual respect, a strong work ethic and the development of lifelong learners who are adaptable to a rapidly changing world. The curriculum is broad, offering a wide range of academic subjects alongside extensive technical rooms, modern science laboratories, well‑equipped computer suites and a performance stage, all of which support both curricular and extracurricular activities. The school places a strong emphasis on the holistic development of its students, reflected in its motto “Mens sana in corpore sano” – a healthy mind in a healthy body. Recent initiatives include the provision of free schoolbooks for all learners, a new AstroTurf project funded by grants, and EU‑backed digital learning investments that have upgraded ICT hardware and software. Additional support services such as after‑school study sessions, a proactive parents’ association and robust special‑needs provision further enhance the learning environment.
History
Established in September 1973, Tarbert Comprehensive School was created through the merger of St Ita’s (Tarbert), Mr Dore’s (Glin) and Glin Vocational School to serve the parishes of Loughill/Ballyhahill, Moyvane, Glin, Athea, Lenamore/Ballylongford and Tarbert. The school opened with 280 pupils, 18 teachers, two caretakers and a secretary. Since then enrolment has consistently exceeded 500 students, prompting two major building extensions that added technical rooms, science labs, computer facilities and a stage. Despite demographic declines in its immediate catchment, the school has continued to grow by attracting students from the wider North Kerry region. Its guiding ethos remains one of inclusivity and equality, symbolised by a lighthouse crest and the motto “Mens sana in corpore sano”.