Heywood Community School
School Details
Location
About
Heywood Community School is a thriving co‑educational community school situated in Ballinakill, County Laois. It offers a broad post‑primary curriculum that blends academic study with technical and vocational pathways, reflecting its origins in technical education. The school places a strong emphasis on personal and emotional development, providing a caring and respectful environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests through field studies, project work and dedicated study‑skills sessions. Spiritual growth is also nurtured, with regular religious education, retreats and opportunities for prayer and reflection, promoting a culture of tolerance and inclusion. The campus incorporates modern facilities built on the historic Heywood Estate, providing well‑equipped classrooms, specialist workshops and spaces for sport, music and the arts. Strong links with the local community enhance the educational experience, with partnerships that support social, cultural and sporting initiatives. The school’s ethos underlines the dignity of each individual, fostering an atmosphere where pupils can develop into competent, confident young adults ready for further education, employment or community involvement.
History
Heywood Community School was officially opened by the Department of Education on 5 December 1995, but its roots extend back centuries. The present school was established in 1990 through the amalgamation of three religious schools—Salesian College (opened 1967), the Brigidine Convent (boarding from 1842, day school from 1918) and the Presentation Sisters’ institutions (Durrow education from 1914, Castle Durrow acquired 1929, St Fintan’s College founded 1960)—together with the Laois Vocational School (established 1964). The site is linked to Heywood House, built in the 17th century by Michael Frederick Trench, which suffered a fire in 1950 and was later demolished. A modern community school was constructed nearby, continuing the legacy of technical and holistic education for the local area.