School Profile
"Rooted in Marist values, inspiring excellence and providing opportunity for every student."
Our School
St. Mary’s College, (known throughout Dundalk as “The Marist”), is a co-educational Catholic secondary school under the trusteeship of the Marist Fathers and Marist Education Authority Schools (MEAS). With an enrolment of over 900 students and a dedicated staff of more than 70 teaching, administrative and support personnel, we provide a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where every student is encouraged to achieve their full potential.
Founded in 1861, the College has a rich and proud tradition of Catholic education. Originally established as a boys’ school, we also operated a boarding school until the early 1980s. St. Mary’s became co-educational in 1990, and, in 2016, we moved to our modern purpose-built campus, providing exceptional facilities for teaching, learning, extra-curricular and student wellbeing. This transition enabled the continued expansion of our curriculum and the development of innovative educational programmes that meet the needs of today’s learners while remaining firmly rooted in our Marist tradition.
Our Marist Ethos
The values and traditions of Marist education are at the heart of everything we do. Inspired by the example of Mary, our school seeks to nurture young people who are compassionate, respectful, reflective and committed to service.
Our campus reflects this rich heritage through its iconography and symbolism, while the names of corridors and learning spaces honour the places in southern France associated with the foundation of the Marist Fathers. St. Mary’s also maintains strong links with Marist schools across Europe, particularly in France and Germany, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange among students and staff.
Academic Excellence and Opportunity
At St. Mary’s College, we are committed to providing a broad, balanced and student-centred curriculum. Students can choose from a wide range of programmes, including:
- Junior Cycle
- Transition Year
- Established Leaving Certificate
- Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)
- Life, Community and Work (LCW)
At Junior Cycle, students study core subjects including Irish, English, Mathematics, Geography, History, Science, Religious Education and Wellbeing. To support informed subject choice, all first-year students participate in a comprehensive taster programme, allowing them to experience each optional subject before making their selections.
Our Transition Year programme combines academic development with personal growth, leadership opportunities, work experience and experiential learning. At Senior Cycle, students can choose from a wide selection of nineteen optional subjects, enabling them to pursue pathways aligned with their interests, talents and future aspirations.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Education at St. Mary’s extends far beyond academic achievement. We offer an extensive range of co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities across sport, science, technology, languages, music, drama, social justice initiatives and the arts.
These experiences play an essential role in the holistic development of our students, helping them to build confidence, develop leadership skills, foster teamwork and cultivate a strong sense of belonging within the school community. In our belief that every child matters, we strive to ensure that every student has the opportunity to discover and develop their unique talents.
Student Care and Wellbeing
At St. Mary’s College, every student is known, valued and supported. Through a comprehensive pastoral care system, we strive to ensure that each young person feels safe, respected and encouraged throughout their educational journey.
From their first day in first year to graduation in sixth year, we walk alongside our students as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of adolescence. Guided by Gospel values and Marist principles, we seek to nurture confident, caring and resilient young adults who are prepared to make a positive contribution to society.
We are particularly mindful of those who may face additional challenges and are committed to ensuring that the dignity, uniqueness and potential of every individual is recognised and respected.
A Thriving School Community
Community lies at the heart of life in St. Mary’s College. Strong partnerships between students, parents, guardians, staff, the Board of Management and the wider Marist family help create a welcoming and supportive environment where every voice is valued.
Our Students’ and Parents’ Councils play an important role in school life, providing meaningful opportunities for participation, consultation and advocacy. Many of our parents and guardians are past pupils, reflecting the deep and enduring connection that generations of families have with the College.
Together, we strive to create an educational community where students can develop intellectually, physically, socially, morally and spiritually, enabling them to flourish as individuals and take their place as responsible, compassionate members of society.