St. Ciarán’s was established with the object of providing a comprehensive system of post primary education open to all the children of the community, combining instruction in academic and practical subjects and ongoing education for the community and for the purpose of contributing to the spiritual, moral, mental and physical wellbeing and development of the said community. In the spirit of the Deed of Trust St. Ciarán’s accepts both boys and girls, offers a comprehensive range of subjects and is non-selective in intake in first year.
The school opened in September 1988 and originated from the amalgamation of two schools - Christian Brothers Secondary School and Kells Vocational School. Community schools were established to offer education in a comprehensive range of subjects to all children of the community irrespective of gender or religious beliefs. Our school is co-educational and we welcome students from many different nationalities and with many different needs. Kells is noted for its rich history and our school values the impact this has had in shaping our local and national heritage. This is reflected in our monastic tradition which can be seen in both the cross of Kells and also in the book of Kells, a facsimile of which is displayed in the lobby of the school.
St Ciarán’s is located on a site surrounded by green spaces and playing fields. Many of the trees were planted by staff and students and we promote a sense of respect for the environment and the local town.
We aim to develop in each student a sense of responsibility and a set of values that enriches the personality of each person and also those with whom they associate. We provide a comprehensive education for all, through a wide range of subject options from the practical to the academic, where possible we offer a diverse range of academic programmes to best help students reach their full potential. We are proud of our inclusively and value and promote diversity in all its forms. Examination success is very important but we believe that the development of the whole person is of equal worth. We are proud of our excellent academic results and the academic achievements of all our students over the years. We know that our students bring with them an excellent education both personal and academic that will equip them for the successful as well as the difficult times.
St Ciarán’s is held in high esteem in the community and we are proud that several past students are now working in the school. Former students have excelled in every facet of life – sport, politics, science, religion education medicine, art, music construction, engineering and agriculture We are very proud of the atmospheres of care and inclusion in St Ciarán’s and we believe it adds in many ways to our unique ethos and culture. We strive to offer the very best teaching and learning with the resources provided. We are sure that the friendships and relationships established with adults and students will stand to all of us in the future.
St Ciarán’s has excellent facilities in technology, construction, science, engineering, information technology and physical education. Through the generosity and support of the local community and churches we have a school oratory which provides a place of quiet in our busy lives. Throughout the year we mark important events in the lives of our students, endings and beginnings, deaths and anniversaries. We value the contribution made to these by our choir and musicians and local religious communities. We have a Canteen and a Healthy Eating Policy in the school. We have an extensive extra curricular programme and many students have excelled in Soccer, Rugby, Equestrian, Golf, Handball, Debating, Public Speaking, Politics, and Music. Our students have travelled on outward bound trips from the Cooley Mountains to the banks of the Zambezi in Zambia.