Should same-sex schools be celebrated as the future of Irish education?
In county Longford, Mean Scoil Mhuire and St Mel’s College have announced their plans to merge, leaving the county with no single-sex schooling options.
Co-educational schools are becoming increasingly popular across the country - despite arguments that they disadvantage female students in particular.
Principal of Mercy Secondary School in Inchicore Michelle O’Kelly told Newstalk Breakfast that her school became co-educational in 2019 and has never looked back since.
“It’s absolutely better,” she said.
“We made the transition in 2019 – before that we were an all-girls school with an enrolment of 164 students.
“We now have 330 students, and our students have integrated into our culture exceptionally well – the boys have been an absolute dream to welcome.”
Students in lesson at Secondary School, Image: Roger Askew/Alamy Stock PhotoMs O’Kelly argued that same-sex schooling does not academically disadvantage girls.
“The co-eds will sit their Leaving Cert in May 2025, but the Junior Cycle has shown us that absolutely not; the girls are not at a disadvantage,” she said.
“I think we also need to challenge that myth, that whole thinking around what is academic achievement, and what does make our young people ready for the world that we live in today – it's not always high points that prepare them for that.”
'Doesn't make sense'
According to Ms O’Kelly, in 50 years future generation will find the decision to separately educate boys and girls baffling.
“If parents want choice, they’re entitled to that – but it doesn’t mean it’ll always be on their doorstep,” she said.
“It really doesn’t make sense – we bring kids through creche, and mostly primary school is co-educational - then we separate them, then we throw them back into college together.
“It’s not a great way to help our young people support each other.”
Ms O’Kelly said co-educational schools offer ‘excellent educational provision’.
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