The Christian Brothers Secondary School, which has operated as a single-sex institution for over 160 years, will accept girls from September 2026 in response to the changing needs of Dublin 8.
From that date, Synge Street CBS with become a co-educational Gaelcholáiste.
Until now, it had only offered education to boys through English. However, the neighbouring primary school, Bunscoil Sancta Maria Synge Street, has been offering Irish-medium education to boys and girls since 2017.
Gerry Bennett, Chief Executive of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST), said the change in the school’s status has come about with the support of the Department of Education and a consultation process with the school community.
“ERST is excited to respond to the changing needs of Dublin 8 by agreeing to Synge Street CBS becoming a co-educational Gaelcholáiste from September 2026,” he said.
Gerry Bennett Chief Executive, Edmund Rice Schools Trust
“This development will mean that, from that time, there will be a Gaeltacht campus on the site comprising Synge Street CBS and Bunscoil Sancta Maria, Synge Street.”
The school on Synge Street will join the other eight all-Irish schools within the trust. These include four Gaelcholáistí and four Gaelscoileanna, and support will be provided to students and staff during the transformation.
“Synge Street CBS will remain a vibrant community, embracing diversity and inclusivity among staff, students, and parents, while continuing its commitment as an Edmund Rice School to being respectful, being responsible, and being ready,” Mr Bennett added.
“It will continue its strong academic tradition, as evidenced by its many successes at the Young Scientist Exhibition over the years.”
Synge Street CBS has produced several notable alumni, particularly in the fields of arts, politics, and science. Among its most famous former students is Gay Byrne, the late broadcaster who hosted The Late Late Show for decades.
Former taoiseach Liam Cosgrave and Irish revolutionary Harry Boland also attended the school.
The Minister for Education, Norma Foley, welcomed the announcement from Synge Street CBS, saying it was “great news” for the local community.
“I am conscious there has long been a demand for a Gaelcholáiste in Dublin 2, 4, 6, and 8, and I am delighted that we now have one in the heart of Dublin 2,” she said.
“This will increase the provision for Irish-medium education at post-primary level in the wider south Dublin city area. This announcement marks a new era for Synge Street CBS, a school with a deep-rooted history in its community.
Synge Street pupils Aditya Joshi and Aditya Kumar, winners of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in 2022. Pic: Chris Bellew
“I would like to thank the patron body, ERST, for working with the Department of Education and expressing their interest in exploring this transition to a co-educational, Irish-medium Gaelcholáiste,” she added.
The Department of Education also noted that, since the introduction of the Irish stream at Bunscoil Synge Street in 2017, enrolments have risen by 42pc, reflecting the growing interest in Irish-medium education within the community.
Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon also welcomed the news.
“For the last three years, teachers, parents, and children from Dublin 2, 4, 6, and 8 have gathered outside Leinster House calling for a Gaelcholáiste for the south inner city,” he said.
“While I have concerns over the patronage, I would like to sincerely congratulate the campaign on their hard work and on this news.”
Social Democrats councillor Jen Cummins also said she was “delighted” that more children and families would have access to education through the Irish language.
“Over the last number of years, there has been an increase in the number of people learning Irish, and this school opening is a great addition to the development of the Irish language in our city,” she said.
