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Dundalk Grammar School

Coordinates: 53°59′51″N 6°24′37″W / 53.99750°N 6.41028°W / 53.99750; -6.41028
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Dundalk Grammar School
Dundalk Grammar School, Ardee Road, Dundalk
Location
Map
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Coordinates53°59′51″N 6°24′37″W / 53.99750°N 6.41028°W / 53.99750; -6.41028
Information
TypePrimary, secondary and boarding School
MottoSapere Aude (dare to know)
Religious affiliation(s)Multi-denominational (traditionally Church of Ireland)[1]
Established1739; 285 years ago (1739)
Local authorityISHA
HeadmasterJonathan Graham
GenderMixed
Age4 to 19
Enrollment574[2] (2024)
Colour(s)White, Navy & Blue      
SportsRugby, hockey, soccer, athletics, basketball, tennis
Websitewww.dgs.ie

Dundalk Grammar School, is an independent school in Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland. The school is co-educational with both primary and secondary departments. It is one of a small number of schools in Ireland offering students an education from school entry (4 years) until school leaving age (18–19 years).[citation needed] The Junior school offers an 8-year primary programme. Most students enter the secondary school at 12 years old and complete a six-year cycle where Junior Certificate, Transition Year, and Leaving Certificate programs are completed. As of 2024, the secondary school had an enrollment of 574.[2]

Background

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Dundalk Grammar School was founded in 1739 as a charter school by the Incorporated Society for Promoting Protestant Schools in Ireland.[3] It was reorganised in 1835, largely by the Rev. Elias Thackeray, as the Dundalk Educational Institution. The school, which did not operate during World War I, was revived in 1921 by a local committee and reconstituted as Dundalk Grammar School. This committee was later enlarged and became the board of governors. The board of governors is assisted by the school's board of management, which includes representatives from school staff and parents.[4]

The school has its roots in the Church of Ireland (Anglican) tradition and now operates under a management body which reflects its Protestant ethos. The school body is multi-denominational. As of 2024, there were over 570 pupils at secondary level.[2] Of these, approximately 100 are members of the boarding department - which offers weekly boarding for students from 11–18 years.[citation needed]

Extracurricular activities

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The main sports at the school include rugby, hockey and soccer.[5] While other sports (including badminton, cricket and basketball) are also played,[6] Gaelic football was banned in the school until 2024 when its students won a legal case against the school management which forced them to lift the ban.[7][8] Other extracurricular activities, undertaken at the school, include music, drama and debating.[9]

Notable past pupils

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References

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  1. ^ "Dundalk Grammar School: Statement of Ethos" (PDF). dgs.ie. Dundalk Grammar School. June 2010. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Directory Page - Dundalk Grammar School". Department of Education. 23 August 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024 – via gov.ie.
  3. ^ "Dundalk Grammar School homepage". dundalkgrammarschool.ie. Dundalk Grammar School. Archived from the original on 9 August 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2007. Since 1739 the school has been closely associated with the Incorporated Society for Promoting Protestant Schools in Ireland.
  4. ^ "About Us - History". dgs.ie. Dundalk Grammar School. 9 July 2009. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  5. ^ "Protest at Dundalk Grammar School over GAA ban". dundalkdemocrat.ie. 10 October 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  6. ^ "Students at fee-paying Louth school to protest over 'ban' on Gaelic football". The Argus. 20 May 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  7. ^ "Dundalk Grammar School to introduce Gaelic football". RTÉ News. 11 December 2024.
  8. ^ "Dundalk Grammar students to protest over GAA ban today". dundalkdemocrat.ie. 11 October 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  9. ^ "Arts". dgs.ie. Dundalk Grammar School. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  10. ^ McDonald, I. (21 November 2006). "Profile". Brain. 130 (1): 288–298. doi:10.1093/brain/awl335. PMID 17178743. Archived from the original on 17 October 2014. Retrieved 3 May 2015.[failed verification]
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