AN Ennis secondary school has featured in the top three feeder girls’ schools for third level progression in the country. Coláiste Muire, a non fee paying school, features in the top four of all schools in the recently released Irish Times feeder school tables.

The school recorded a 115% progression rate to third level in the list which included the total number of college registrations from schools including those who completed their Leaving Certificate prior to 2021.

A total of 138 students at the Coláiste sat their Leaving Certificate in 2021, while the total number of Coláiste students to accept a CAO place in that year was 159.

According to the statistics, NUIG was the most popular third level institution for Coláiste students with 37 enrolled there last year.

The second most popular college was UL with 31 students enrolled. Students were also accepted to UCD, TCD, DCU, St Angela’s, Queens’ University Belfast, TU Dublin, Galway – Mayo IT, IT Carlow, IT Letterkenny, MTU, TUS, WIT, Mary Immaculate, NCAD, RCSI.

School principal Jean Pound has described the secondary schools’ standing in the league table as “affirming”.

“I am very proud of Coláiste Muire’s tradition of academic excellence which goes hand in hand with the education and holistic development of our students.

It is most affirming, and testament to the hard work of students and teachers to see our school recognised as the top non-fee paying school for progression to third level in Ireland in the recent Irish Times survey of second level feeder schools, we also feature ahead of many fee paying schools.”

“This is most heartening as we have an open non selective admissions policy which caters for all levels of academic ability and achievement.

“I wish to thank parents, staff and students for their incredible work ethic and sense of pride in their school. I wish all our students the very best in their diverse and interesting courses of studies.

“As an all girls school, it is very positive to see our students follow courses in science, medicine, engineering, STEM subjects alongside the arts, humanities and education. I am confident that they will make an incredible contribution in their respective paths.”