Portlaoise College is preparing to welcome prospective students and their families to its Mountrath Rd campus for its annual Open Nights next week on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
The events will begin at 7pm with an address by Principal Noel Daly, followed by guided tours led by current students.
Visitors will have the chance to explore the school’s facilities and learn about its academic and extracurricular offerings. Based on previous years, the nights are expected to be well-attended.
As an innovative leader in education and the first school to offer tablets to all first-year students, Portlaoise College continues to embrace technology by streamlining its admissions process.
Parents can now apply through the school’s website or by scanning a QR code on the brochure, reflecting the school’s commitment to integrating technology into learning and administration.
Principal Noel Daly expressed his enthusiasm for meeting future students and their families, emphasising the importance of these events: “Building relationships is at the core of everything we do here at Portlaoise College, and that process begins on Open Night.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming new faces to our school community and helping families get a true sense of what makes our school special.”
Portlaoise College offers a balanced educational experience, focusing on academic achievement alongside a wide range of extracurricular activities.
With a broad selection of subjects at both Junior and Senior Cycles, from sciences to languages, arts, and technology, students are supported by initiatives such as academic monitoring and mentoring, fostering a culture of excellence. Recent developments include a new astro turf pitch and six additional classrooms, including a science and engineering room.
Beyond academics, the school offers diverse extracurricular activities, such as basketball, football, music, and school musicals. These opportunities help build students’ skills, confidence, and well-being.
The school also prioritises student welfare through its induction programme and the Meitheal system, where senior students mentor first years, ensuring a smooth transition to secondary school.
Parents and students are encouraged to attend the Open Nights for a firsthand experience of what Portlaoise College has to offer. The tours, led by students, will highlight the inclusive and vibrant environment that makes the school a top choice for secondary education.
Applications can be submitted online at www.portlaoisecollege.ie, with the submission window open from 1st October to 23rd October.
Pictured at the launch of the Open Nights are Principal Noel Daly, and students Marcin Schimmelpfennig, Bronagh Deegan, Abi Dixon, and James Buggy-McDonald.
