Welcome

Read the welcome statements from our president Gavin Clark and principal Gerard Grealish.

Presidents Welcome

I warmly welcome you to Cistercian College, an independent boys’ school for students from first to sixth year, set within 30 acres of beautifully manicured grounds and native forest. Cistercian College is a sanctuary in the Midlands of Ireland providing our boys with an incredible “Place To Grow”.

It is a privilege to lead Cistercian College as CEO and President. At the College we place prominence on a high-quality education which instils a culture of respect; inclusion and collaboration; proactive community service; genuine inquiry; and international mindedness. These are principles which are lived at the College and they support our Values of Community, Character and Respect.  

As an internationally experienced educational leader, my passion is to ensure our students thrive in an ever-changing global society while also developing a deep appreciation for their own heritage.  I firmly believe in the primacy of student and staff wellbeing and the inherent value of strong partnerships between our students, staff, parents and the local community – underpinned by integrity and transparency.

In collaboration with Mr Gerry Grealish, Principal, Cistercian College, we are focussed on preparing our students for tomorrow’s world. We believe in the limitless potential of each boy, with an unwavering passion to ensure his aspirations are met and he becomes the best version of himself whilst pursuing their individual passions, talents and interests.

We are passionate about developing and nurturing students in an inclusive and diverse Christian learning environment. Through our wellbeing programme, we are genuinely proactive about student wellbeing and the importance in growing our boys’ self efficacy during this crucial period of their development. 

As you browse the prospectus, the website, you will gain insight into the unique educational experience we can offer your son at Cistercian College.  I encourage you to contact our Director of Admissions and organise a personalised tour of the College so that you can see the classrooms in action, meet teachers, students and our Leadership Team.

We look forward to welcoming you to our College.

Kind regards, 

Gavin Clark 

President of Cistercian College

CCEO (Certified CEO)

MA, PGDE, MEdLeadership (First Class Honours)

Principals Welcome

Welcome to Cistercian College which is located on the grounds of Mount St. Joseph Abbey. The College is surrounded by open fields and woodland and provides a unique holistic educational experience for the students in its care.

Cistercian College is modelled on the monastic traditions of prayer, study, work and recreation. In keeping with our Mission Statement we are an inclusive community. We welcome students from diverse backgrounds while encouraging an appreciation and respect for the Catholic faith.

We are committed to living as a community that values all of its members. Each student is an individual with different talents and skills. We provide our students with the guidance and support to develop these talents enabling them to reach their unique potential.

Respect is one of the College’s core values, respect for oneself, respect for the dignity of each person in the College community and respect for the values and reputation of the College.

Students enjoy a well-balanced daily routine in academics, sports and music.  Our structured programme ensures that all students develop maturity, resilience and responsibility.

Pastoral care at Cistercian College involves supporting and encouraging each student physically, emotionally and spiritually. Each year group has a Care Team who have a particular responsibility for the wellbeing of students in that year. They meet regularly to discuss the students under their care and following on from this they communicate with students, parents and other staff members. We have a residential nurse who manages our health care facility and also a College Chaplain. The value of care is developed in our students through our mentoring system. Each first year is mentored by a senior student who looks out for him and to whom he can go to for advice and support. These mentors also communicate with the Care Teams.

Cistercian College has a 100% record of sending students to third level. The staff of the College have a shared objective which is to ensure that the students under their care receive a well-balanced and holistic education. Central to their education is the development of a strong set of core values, including respect and a positive work ethic, that will stand to them for life.

Gerard Grealish
Principal
Cistercian College.