Our School Environment
A campus designed for 21st-century learning, blending our rich history with ambitious plans for a state-of-the-art future. We are committed to providing facilities that nurture both academic excellence and holistic development.
A School on the Move
Planning for Tomorrow
St. Joseph's is thrilled to announce that planning permission has been granted for a major redevelopment and expansion of our campus. This multi-million euro project is a huge decision for our school community and for future generations of students.
The Need for Growth
Our current main building opened in 1984 and was built for an enrolment of 450 students. Today, we are a thriving community of over 1000 students. Principal Margaret Cole noted that while temporary classrooms have been added, the main building has remained much the same, leading to challenges with circulation, accessibility, and classroom sizes that are no longer fit for purpose. This new development will address these issues and provide the space our students deserve.
The New Three-Storey Building
The plans include the demolition of the existing two-storey main building to make way for a new 9000 square metre, three-storey school. This new building will feature:
- 33 general classrooms
- 20 specialist teaching rooms
- 4 special education needs (SEN) class base units
- A general purpose hall
- Dedicated student social spaces
Campus Features & Amenities
A Campus for the Whole Community
Refurbished Convent & Sacred Space
The adjoining Convent of Mercy, generously gifted by the Sisters of Mercy, has been refurbished to provide additional classrooms and meeting rooms. The convent chapel has also been beautifully restored as a sacred space for reflection and smaller class masses.
Sports Hall & Facilities
A new Sports Hall (Gym) was opened in 1990, demonstrating the school's long-standing commitment to physical education and extracurricular sports. The redevelopment plans also include six new multi-use games areas.
Outdoor Amenities
Future plans include exciting new outdoor spaces such as a "village square," an outdoor classroom, and a dedicated SEN garden to ensure all students have access to fresh air and nature in thoughtfully designed areas.
Microsoft Showcase School
Our commitment to a modern learning environment extends to technology. St. Joseph's is proud to be selected as a Microsoft Showcase School, one of only four in Ireland at the time, where technology is integrated to make learning more exciting and student-centred.
The redevelopment plans also include improved access and parking, with a new 90-bay car park, 100 sheltered bicycle spaces, and a new pedestrian crossing across Castlelost Road to ensure student safety. All temporary classroom accommodation will be removed, creating a more efficient and cohesive site layout.
More Than Just Buildings
A Vibrant & Welcoming Atmosphere
A 'Family Feel'
Despite having over 1000 students, the school retains a strong family feel, evident the moment you walk in the door.
Buddy System
A unique and long-standing tradition where sixth-year prefects act as buddies to first-year students, ensuring a seamless and supported transition from primary school.
Vibrant Activities
A lively extracurricular timetable includes everything from traditional sports to board games club, choir, enterprise club, Junk Kouture, and a strong wellbeing programme.