Our Story, Our History

Our Beginnings

Le Chéile Secondary School first opened its doors in September 2021 at the former Cork Film Centre in Ballincollig. In March of that year, the interim Board of Management appointed Ms Nicola Barrett as the school’s founding Principal. Bringing with her a wealth of leadership experience and a proven record of innovation in Irish post-primary education, she guided the recruitment of the very first teaching staff and set the tone for the school’s culture, values, and direction. The school began with just 17 students, 7 teachers, one Additional Needs Assistant, a secretary, and a facilities manager. From those modest beginnings, a vibrant and growing school community quickly took shape.

A New Home at Innishmore

In September 2022, enrolment increased and four more teachers and two more ANAs joined the team, strengthening the support and opportunities available to our students. A major milestone came in January 2023, when we moved into our new temporary home at Innishmore. This site gave our school purpose-built facilities for the first time, with specialist rooms for Art, Home Economics, Woodwork, Science and Music, along with offices, a canteen, a basketball court and - much celebrated among staff - a staffroom with a door!

Student Life & Achievements

Alongside this growth, our students have excelled in every area of school life. Among them are talented dancers, show jumpers, golfers, boxers, GAA players, public speakers, singers, musicians, and even an international soccer star. They have represented the school on national stages - reaching the All-Ireland finals in Ultimate Frisbee, the national stage at the Mace debating competition, contributing at a national level with Comhairle na nÓg, earning the Pieta Amber Flag, and now becoming the first school in Munster to achieve the Silver Narrative 4 Empathy School Award.

Leadership & Development

The leadership of the school has grown alongside its students. Ms Jennifer Hickey was appointed as our first Deputy Principal in March 2023, bringing invaluable expertise in pastoral care and careers guidance. In November 2023, our first Assistant Principal I and II roles were filled, helping to shape the shared vision and direction of the school. A year later, in November 2024, four more Assistant Principals were appointed, including our first Programme Coordinator, to lead the way for our very first Transition Year cohort.

Senior Cycle & Beyond

In the same year, we proudly expanded our academic pathways by developing and launching three Senior Cycle pathways; the Leaving Certificate Established, Leaving Certificate Applied, and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programmes. With these in place, Le Chéile now offers the full complement of second-level programmes, ensuring that every student has access to a learning journey that best suits their strengths, interests, and ambitions.

As a developing school, we receive a teacher allocation that allows us to offer the full range of option subjects, therefore also facilitating very small class sizes. Our students can choose from a wide variety of subjects at Leaving Certificate level as a result and all subjects are available at both higher and ordinary level, giving every student the opportunity to pursue their strengths and ambitions with confidence. This broad and balanced programme ensures that students are exceptionally well-prepared for the next stage of their journey, whether that be University, further education, apprenticeships, or the world of work.

Our TY programme offers students a diverse range of learning experiences, including the opportunity to sample Leaving Certificate subject options and explore new areas through specialised modules and work experience. Our first Transition Year group embarked on the school’s first ever international trip to Lake Garda, Italy in May 2025 - a milestone and highlight that will be remembered fondly by students and staff alike.

Looking to the Future

Looking ahead, the future of Le Chéile Secondary School is even brighter. The school has continued to grow in its intake year on year. In January 2024, An Bord Pleanála approved the purchase of a 15-acre permanent site at Lisheens, Ballincollig, formally earmarked for the school by the Department of Education and Cork City Council.

The project has now entered the Accelerated Delivery of Architectural Planning and Tendering (ADAPT) programme, designed to fast-track the building of modern schools. We have entered the design phase and an incredible team including HLM Architects, a UK-based firm with outstanding experience in designing schools, are bringing our vision to life, while RPS, based just around the corner, are managing the project.

The permanent campus will cater for up to 1,000 students and will include classrooms, specialist rooms, a library, dining facilities, a PE hall, dedicated spaces for students with additional needs, a sensory garden, and activity rooms.