Scoil Pól, Kilfinane began as a secondary school for girls in 1915. The convent was opened to a few boarders. These girls were prepared for the Oxford and Cambridge examination. They stayed in the convent, having their own dormitory and dining room. Classrooms for them and for the day pupils were a room in the Convent basement, a room in the National school and the well-known ‘Class room’, a tin shed moved from site to site as it became necessary to provide a space for later buildings. In 1926, Arus Pól was built and consisted of four classrooms, two music rooms. In the late forties, Arus Bride was erected.
In 1968 Scoil Pól became a co-educational school. In 1987 the new secondary school was opened. In 2005, an extension consisting of a library, IT room and a DCG room, was added. 2019 saw the addition of a Special Needs Unit comprising of 2 classrooms, multi sensory room, daily living room and a meeting room, with students joining us in 2016. Concurrently was the addition of a new Construction Studies room and repurposing of the current IT room to create a Construction/DCG suite of fully furnished with state of the art equipment. The new IT room comprises of 29 computer terminals.
In 2024 a new 12 room extension (Block A) was opened comprising of a new Music room, a new Art room, a new Science/Chemistry lab, prep room and chemical store along with 8 classrooms.
While maintaining a strong link with firmly established traditions, Scoil Pól has accepted with courage and foresight the challenging demands of ever changing educational needs.
The ethos of the school is reflected in the community spirit that pervades the academic and social activities of staff and students. A genuine interest by the staff in the development if each individual student to his/her potential is a highly valued characteristic of the school. While academic achievement is aimed at, the education of the whole person is a priority. To this end students are encouraged to participate in music and dramatic activities, debates and school functions. A lively interest in games inspires a healthy team spirit and success and enjoyment in the playing fields.
Opening of our new extension 2024
Geneviève Dupuis 
Geneviève Dupuis (1813–1903) was a French religious pioneer whose vision and dedication led her to found the congregation known today as the Sisters of Charity of St Paul the Apostle. In 1847 she responded to a call to England and, despite the difficulties of a new language, culture and mission, she established a community in Banbury which became the spring-board for the congregation’s growth. Under her leadership the mother-house was moved in 1864 to Selly Park, Birmingham, and by the time of her death she had helped found dozens of convents and schools characterised by a spirit of charity, education and service to the poor. Her motto - rooted in love and the Gospel - continues to inspire the Sisters and the many schools and ministries associated with them today.
For more information: https://www.sistersofstpaulsellypark.org/
St. Paul
Scoil Pól was founded by the Sisters of Charity of St. Paul, the Apostle. St. Paul is best known through his letters to the early Christian churches which we are familiar with through their regular use in our liturgies today. He is renowned as a preacher and teacher and is therefore a very fitting patron for our Scoil Pól.
His feast day on 25th January is always marked in a special way in Scoil Pól and generations of pupils have looked forward to their “feast day treat”. The school moto “Omnibus Omnia” (All things to all people) is taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and is the inscription on the school crest. The life of St. Paul is beautifully depicted in a batik hanging in the main entrance of Scoil Pól. It was presented by the staff to mark the opening of the new Scoil Pól in 1987 and is a much admired feature of the school.
