The Beginning of Co-Education in Wesley College

In September 1911, after very careful consideration by the Governors, the College opened its doors to twenty one girls. 100 years later in 2011, the College celebrated 100 Years of Co-Education.

Wesley College, Dublin—already recognised as one of Ireland’s leading co‑educational secondary schools—made a landmark decision by formally admitting girls into its academic programme. At a time when co‑education was unusual and girls’ schooling was often restricted or entirely separate, Wesley showed rare foresight by allowing girls to participate fully in classroom learning and public examinations.

Welcoming Girls to Wesley College Dublin

Under the leadership of Principal Dr. T.J. Irwin, the school welcomed its first girls, who were soon followed by others as educational opportunities for women steadily improved. These early students not only pursued intermediate and leaving certificate studies but also gained access to emerging university pathways through institutions such as the newly established National University of Ireland.

Their success—ranging from academic prizes to careers in teaching, nursing, business and the arts—demonstrated the lasting impact of Wesley’s progressive approach. The decision of 1911 marked the beginning of a century of growth, confidence, and achievement for Wesley women, shaping the school’s identity and contributing to broader advances in women’s education in Ireland

Photo Memories

"We have come a long way from the 1930s, today, our mealtimes are our own, rather than in the early days, when students were given topics to discuss, so as to avoid 'idle chat'."

In 1966, a heel of bread constituted a culinary delight, whereas today we have the salad bar, light options, fresh fruit, chocolate cake, and the ever-popular banoffee. In a year where we entered the hockey season defending both major titles, and hosted the All-Ireland Senior Boys’ finals, it’s peculiar to look back on the full length hockey skirts and blouses of 1911 and wonder how they ever competed.

It is strange to fathom the possibility of a revolution being staged in the boarding house as a result of the banning of pillow fights, but that’s exactly what happened in the 1960s. Moreover, in an age of interactive whiteboards, data projectors, computers in every room, two dedicated computer suites and even a cyber library, it’s difficult to imagine that just twenty five years ago, the computer was wheeled into class to study binary numbers."

Links & Downloads

In October 2010, we embarked on a project to find and record the memoirs of Wesley’s female alumni. Our aim was to publish a book preserving the memories and stories of one hundred years of co education in Wesley. We started out with high expectations; by November we had four replies. It was beginning to look more like a pamphlet than a book.

In late November there came heavy snowfall and a sudden avalanche of replies. Finally, we were on our way. As we read over the memoirs it is fascinating to see how not only have the facilities, uniforms and location changed, but also the societal attitudes to women in the past 100 years; from the early letters, where the girls were “tolerated” to the most recent, where there is no discernible difference or discrimination. Our research has been interesting, enjoyable, and always good fun. We hope you enjoy.

Wesley Women book – Four students, under the guidance of Annetta Kavanagh, have compiled memories and recollections of Wesley College from past girls who attended the college. This book was launched in the National Gallery on the 11th of October 2011.

Find more about 100 Years of Co-Education in Wesley College:

Celebrating 100 Years book – A short history of co-education in Wesley College by Michael Halliday was launched in the National Gallery on the 11th of October 2011.

You can view some memories from the past 100 years of co-education in Wesley College on the following PDF document: Co-Education Begins in Wesley College.