High Cross College, a new co-educational secondary school in Tuam, Co. Galway, has been officially announced as the amalgamated school resulting from the merger of Presentation College and Scoil Bhríde girls’ schools. The new school, set to open across two campuses in September, will accept boys for the first time. The name High Cross College was chosen from a shortlist of four suggestions, and it received the most votes from students, parents, and staff of both schools.

A Steering Committee was established last month with the two school principals and deputy principals, representatives of staff, parents, and boards of management. The committee’s primary objective was to name the new school, and it was chaired by Frank Smith. The committee consisted of Gearoid Leen, Catherine Murphy, Neasa Cosgrove, Sean McGrath, John McCormack (CEIST), Jean McMahon, Ollie Higgins, Bridget Collins, Charlie Kelly, Helen Deignan, and Siobhan Quinn (BoM chairperson, Scoil Bhride). High Cross College is under the patronage of CEIST.

The opening of the new co-educational school marks a significant milestone for the community of Tuam. The decision to merge Presentation College and Scoil Bhríde girls’ schools was made earlier this year by CEIST following approval from the Department of Education. The new school will offer a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs and will provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students. High Cross College is set to become an essential institution in Tuam, promoting education and knowledge for future generations.