Le Cheile Ballincollig
School Details
Location
About
Le Chéile Secondary School, Ballincollig is a co‑educational voluntary Catholic secondary school operating under the Le Chéile Schools Trust. The school’s ethos is built on inclusivity, mutual respect and the dignity of every learner, fostering a nurturing yet stimulating environment where self‑esteem and academic ambition are encouraged. Teaching and learning are underpinned by modern, interactive ICT facilities and a commitment to innovative pedagogical approaches, ensuring that students of all abilities can achieve their individual potential. The campus, now based in a purpose‑built temporary site at Innishmore, provides specialist rooms for Art, Home Economics, Woodwork, Science and Music, alongside a canteen, basketball court and dedicated spaces for additional‑needs support. Small class sizes enable a broad and balanced curriculum, offering the full suite of Leaving Certificate programmes (Established, Applied and Vocational) as well as a Transition Year with diverse modules, work experience and an international trip. The school’s Catholic foundation is expressed through a strong spiritual ethos, community service and a focus on holistic development.
History
Le Chéile Secondary School opened its doors in September 2021 at the former Cork Film Centre, initially enrolling 17 students with a small teaching team. In January 2023 the school moved to a new temporary home at Innishmore, gaining purpose‑built facilities including specialist rooms, a canteen and a basketball court. Over the following years enrolment grew, new staff appointments were made, and the school launched its first senior cycle pathways (Leaving Certificate Established, Applied and Vocational) and a Transition Year cohort, which undertook its inaugural international trip to Italy in May 2025. In January 2024 a 15‑acre permanent site at Lisheens was approved, and the project entered the design phase, aiming to accommodate up to 1,000 students with extensive classroom, specialist and wellbeing provisions.