Summerhill College

Welcome

Welcome to the website of The College of the Immaculate Conception, Summerhill, Sligo.

We are proud of our College and hope that the information at this site will help you to learn more about us.

For current students and parents, the site is a place to find the school Newsletters issued twice per term throughout the school year, to find events on the calendar, important school information, news incorporating school notes from Champion in the Classroom (Sligo Champion) and eventually as an entry point into the school Internet site. It provides an invaluable link between the school the home, the Department of Education and Science and the local community.

For past parents, staff and students, it is a way of keeping in touch with the dynamic changes at the College.
For future students and parents, it is a place to gather important information about becoming a member of the Summerhill College community.

Summerhill College was first founded in Athlone in 1857 by the then Bishop of the Diocese Bishop Gilooley. Each succeeding Bishop and appointed priests are the "Trustees" of the College. The college came from Athlone to Sligo in 1880 and moved to its present spectacular site in the old cut-stone building, which was built in 1892. This beautiful site dominates the landscape of Sligo and enjoys spectacular scenic views of mountain, hill, coast and water. From any part of the college one can view the estuary/harbour and the Garavogue river and the magnificent Benbulben to the North and the historic Queen Maebh's site on top of Knocknarea to the West. Surely we can boast one of the most idyllic and awe inspiring setting for a centre for teaching and learning.

Originally it was founded as a minor seminary boarding school to prepare young boys for the major seminary and ultimately for the priesthood. As there was such a lack of opportunity for second level education at that time Summerhill College opened its doors to day boys who had no plans for seminary life or the priesthood.

The charism of the various Bishops and priests of the diocese is marked by a commitment to seeing the face of Christ in all we meet in our daily lives. The school remains committed to this Christian/Catholic ideal. It translates into school life that
" Welcomes all, seeking to build a community of hospitality and inclusion
" Expects high standards in academic work and student behaviour
" Challenges all in the school community to develop a real spirit of justice that makes a difference to the way we live our lives
" Celebrates and sanctifies life and everything in school life that is life giving.

With expansive grounds, heritage buildings and a long and proud sporting and academic tradition, the College of the Immaculate Conception continues to serve the Sligo Catholic community as an outstanding secondary school for boys from First Year to Leaving Certificate.