ABOUT THE COLLEGE AND THE CHURCH
Newbridge College: A History of Growth and Transformation
Newbridge College, also known as Coláiste Dhroichead Nua or the Dominican College Newbridge, is a co-educational, private, fee-paying secondary school in Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland. Established in 1852 by the Dominican Friars as a boys' boarding school, it is still under the stewardship of the Dominican Order today. Now a thriving day school with approximately 1,000 students, it also houses a resident community of Dominican Friars, with the Priory and Church situated between the two main wings of the College buildings.
Key Milestones
1984: The school welcomed its first female students, marking a pivotal moment in its history. Today, the student body is approximately 50% female.
1994: A new gym block, along with science, art, and technology suites, was opened. An all-weather pitch was also added, primarily for girls' hockey.
1998: The boarding tradition ended, transforming the College into a fully co-educational day school. An option for evening tea and supervised study until 9:30 pm was introduced for day students, a practice that continues today.
2008: A €6 million extension to Junior House was completed, featuring new science laboratories, technical and computer rooms, a staff room, and a social area.
2013: An all-weather, floodlit AstroTurf sports facility was commissioned, providing a versatile space for various sports.
2018: Walker House, named after Fr Walker OP, a founding figure of the College, was constructed.
2022: The College celebrated its 170th anniversary.
The Dominican Presence in Newbridge
The Dominican connection to Newbridge predates the College, with the Order arriving in 1756. The foundation in Naas was officially transferred to Newbridge in 1769 or 1777. The present-day priory, church, and college gradually evolved from a small cabin built by Fr Hugh Reynolds. The current church, opened in 1966, features artwork by the renowned Dominican sculptor, Fr. Henry Flanagan.
Newbridge College, also known as Coláiste Dhroichead Nua or the Dominican College Newbridge, is a co-educational, private, fee-paying secondary school in Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland. Established in 1852 by the Dominican Friars as a boys' boarding school, it is still under the stewardship of the Dominican Order today. Now a thriving day school with approximately 1,000 students, it also houses a resident community of Dominican Friars, with the Priory and Church situated between the two main wings of the College buildings.
Key Milestones
1984: The school welcomed its first female students, marking a pivotal moment in its history. Today, the student body is approximately 50% female.
1994: A new gym block, along with science, art, and technology suites, was opened. An all-weather pitch was also added, primarily for girls' hockey.
1998: The boarding tradition ended, transforming the College into a fully co-educational day school. An option for evening tea and supervised study until 9:30 pm was introduced for day students, a practice that continues today.
2008: A €6 million extension to Junior House was completed, featuring new science laboratories, technical and computer rooms, a staff room, and a social area.
2013: An all-weather, floodlit AstroTurf sports facility was commissioned, providing a versatile space for various sports.
2018: Walker House, named after Fr Walker OP, a founding figure of the College, was constructed.
2022: The College celebrated its 170th anniversary.
The Dominican Presence in Newbridge
The Dominican connection to Newbridge predates the College, with the Order arriving in 1756. The foundation in Naas was officially transferred to Newbridge in 1769 or 1777. The present-day priory, church, and college gradually evolved from a small cabin built by Fr Hugh Reynolds. The current church, opened in 1966, features artwork by the renowned Dominican sculptor, Fr. Henry Flanagan.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE AND THE CHURCH