East Glendalough School
School Details
Location
About
East Glendalough School is a co‑educational secondary school that delivers a broad curriculum approved by the Department of Education, complemented by a wide range of sports and extra‑curricular programmes. Established in 1987 to serve the Protestant community of the eastern half of the Glendalough diocese, the school’s ethos centres on nurturing each pupil’s full potential, encouraging personal maturity and fostering a caring, constructive contribution to society. Small‑class sizes enable individualised attention while the school remains large enough to offer a diverse selection of academic, artistic and athletic opportunities. The campus occupies an open, south‑facing site of approximately 3.2 hectares adjacent to Wicklow town railway station. Facilities include twelve general classrooms, specialist rooms for Home Economics, Science, Arts and Crafts, Metalwork and Computer Studies, a well‑stocked library and a modern gymnasium. Outdoor amenities feature three playing pitches, an astroturf pitch (added 2008), and landscaped grounds. Recent developments comprise a dedicated Arts building (2010) and an ASD Unit (2014), with funding currently being pursued for a new sports hall to further enhance the school’s sporting provision.
History
The concept of a comprehensive Protestant secondary school in Wicklow was first raised at the Church of Ireland Synod in 1977. After extensive diocesan planning, the Department of Education granted sanction in 1984, leading to the appointment of a Board of Management in 1986. The school opened its doors on 2 September 1987 with 67 pupils and nine teachers, moving into its purpose‑built modern building in February 1988. Officially inaugurated by President Patrick Hillery in May 1989, the school expanded in 1991 with a substantial extension opened by Minister for Education Mary O’Rourke. Subsequent enhancements include an astroturf pitch (2008), a new Arts building (2010) and an ASD Unit (2014); funding is now being sought for a new sports hall.