Christ King Girls’ Secondary School, Cork

Mission Statement

  • Our mission is to respect the uniqueness of each person within the school community.
  • We are committed to providing an environment within which the development of intellectual and spiritual values is of prime importance.
  • Our hope is that this mission will be fulfilled in co-operation and partnership with pupils, parents and the wider community.

School History

Sacred Heart School, now Christ King Girls’ Secondary School, opened in Sunview House in September 1965.

The first Leaving Certificate group left the school in 1971, having achieved excellent results.

As well as the house, the school now comprised of several prefabricated rooms, while plans for a beautiful new building were being formulated to accommodate the 400 pupils on roll.

The main school structure was finally begun in 1971 and completed in September 1974, when the first classes occupied the new school. However, on 17th October 1976, tragedy befell when a large portion of the school was destroyed by fire. Fortunately, a complete restoration was carried out within a year.

There was a note of sadness in the history of the school in 1983, when our esteemed Vice-Principal, Teresa Treacy, died tragically in an accident at her home, Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam dilis.

Sr. Gertrude continued as Principal and Mary Hurley became Vice-Principal in March 1983. The school was blessed in May 1986 by Bishop John Buckley. There was a rededication ceremony when the name Sacred Heart became Christ King to establish links with the parish.

St. Catherine Goode became Principal in 1985, succeeding Sr. Gertrude who has successfully directed the school for eight years.

The wheels of time continued to roll and history was made in 1986 when the school’s first Board of Management was established. Composed of representatives of the Trustees, Staff and Parents, the Board has responsibility for the overall management of the school.

It was decided in 1988, to replace the prefabricated buildings which had been in use for some years.

The efforts of all involved were crowned with the success when a fine twelve classroom extension, was officially opened and blessed in January, 1989.

Another milestone in the history of the school was marked in the appointment of the first lay Principal, Jean Geoghegan in September 1990.

In the school year 1990 – 1991 there were many minor but significant changes. The exterior of the main building was entirely refurbished and a fine new administration block was constructed. A spacious modern computer room with 16 Apple Macintosh computers was furnished and opened to all classes. The school uniform with a new crest, was redesigned to suit the needs of the girls. Lockers were installed in all classrooms.

The year ’93 – ’94 brought further development. A new Physics laboratory was furnished to relieve the demand on the two existing laboratories. Twelve additional color computers were acquired and new more advanced technology is on the way. Very modern Art equipment including a kiln have enhanced the art department. Advanced video and camcorder appliances, including the editing suite, have given new life to the film studio.

In 1993 a monster fund raising drive raised over €127,000 for a proposed P.E. / Concert Hall.

The Transition Year, though not obligatory, was extended in 1994 to all pupils. Also a group of senior students was offered the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme in addition to their normal senior courses.

The new extension finally came to fruition in 2003 consisting of a state of the heart P.E. Hall, Stage, two Science Laboratories, Computer Room, Art Room, Multi Media Presentation Room, Science Demonstration Laboratory, Library, Geography Room, Guidance Suite, Staff Room and a new modern Administration Office.

In 2006, the 40th Anniversary of the school’s opening was celebrated by the school community. An evening of reminiscence and shared memories was enjoyed by all, as the story of Christ King Secondary School was recalled with pleasure and gratitude.

A new block of 6 classrooms was added to the school complex in September 2006 to accommodate the increasing number of students. The original school was modernised and upgraded at the same time.

In September 2008, Ms Kathleen Feeney retired and Ms Mary Keane was appointed as new Principal to Christ King Secondary School.

News from Christ King Girls’ Secondary School, Cork

23 Mar 2020
Christ King Girls School Cork – Remote Address to LC Students

Special Leaving Certificate Address from Principal Richel Long via Video Link Below is a special video message from…

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14 Dec 2018
Christ King Girls School News – December 2018

Christmas Preparations Students at CKSS have been busy preparing for Christmas, organising the Crib and Christmas Tree, gathering food…

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29 Nov 2018
Christ King Girls School Cork News – November 2018

Nicole Marinos – Grand Boston Scientific Medical Devices Award Nicole Marinos, a Transition Year student at Christ King…

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