Planning for a new school

A group of Presbyterian clergymen meet to discuss a proposal by the Reverend James Denham Osborne of Rutland (Parnell) Square Presbyterian Church ‘to establish a High School , where our Presbyterian children can have the very best education.'

Location

On 8 January St Andrew’s College opens its doors at 21, St Stephen’s Green, to 64 pupils, 11 of whom are aged 10 or under. The first Headmaster was William Woods Haslett from Co. Down, Classical Scholar.

Prep School

A Branch Preparatory School ‘Rathgar Boys’ Preparatory School’ is established at 47 Rathgar Road.

Leinster Senior Cup

The Senior Cup Team wins its first Leinster Senior Cup in Rugby.

New Headmaster

Following the sudden death of William Woods Haslett, William Godfrey Watson Sullivan, Classical Scholar from Monkstown, Co. Cork is appointed Headmaster.

New Headmaster

Alexander S.M. Imrie, Scotsman and ‘University prizeman in mathematics, physics, chemistry, botany’ is appointed Headmaster.

Officers' Training Corps

St Andrew’s College is one of the first Irish schools to form an Officers’ Training Corps, its membership rising to over 80 boys during World War I.

Old Boys Union formed

The Old Boys’ Union, forerunner of St Andrew’s College Alumni, is formed.

First World War Fatalities

At least 688 past pupils, 32% of the total SAC population, volunteered during the First World War. 98 died during the war, with many more dying prematurely afterwards.

War Memorial

The stained glass window, War Memorial and Roll of Honour are unveiled.

New Headmaster

Robert M. Scott is appointed Headmaster, joining from Masonic Boys’ School where he was Senior Classical Master.

Donnybrook location

In response to falling student numbers and financial difficulties, St Andrew’s College moves to 47-51 Wellington Place, Donnybrook.

St Andrew's remains an independent school

Past-pupil and Board member, Dr Kenneth Bailey, is joined in his opposition to amalgamation with The High School by parent Mrs Mary Arnott Collen. Helped by a newly established Endowment Fund, they successfully persuade the Dublin Presbytery that St Andrew’s should remain independent.

New Headmaster

Philip James Southgate is appointed Headmaster. He was formerly Senior Classical Master at St Columba’s College, Rathfarnham.

Second World War fatalities

240 past pupils serve in British and Allied Forces during World War II. 36 are killed in action.

Jubilee Swimming Pool

Work begins on the Jubilee Swimming Pool in the College’s Donnybrook sports grounds.

Jubilee Celebrations

The College celebrates its Jubilee.

New Headmaster

Portadown native James Duke is appointed Headmaster.

Booterstown Site

The School’s present site in Booterstown is acquired from the Sisters of Mercy.

Fundraising Appeal

A Fundraising appeal for £100,000 is launched in 1969, under the stewardship of Lyal Collen: past pupil, Board Member and Honorary Secretary of the College Building Project. Mr Collen’s untiring commitment, professional expertise and business acumen become the foundations of the success of the College today.

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The first sod for the Booterstown campus is turned by Mr William Nesbitt, one of the 64 pupils attending the College on its opening day in January 1894.

Opening of new school

The Booterstown campus opens for lessons in January, with girls – 12 in all – attending for the first time in September of that year.

House Area 5

Houseroom Area 5 opens in response to a need for a Computer Room, a Home Economics Unit, Cloakrooms and Changing Rooms.

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate Programme is first offered in the College in September.

Model United Nations

The first St Andrew’s International Model United Nations (SAIMUN) takes place.

Sports Hall

With the help of a fundraising campaign by the Past Pupils body, the Sports Hall opens in September.

New Headmaster

Arthur Godsil is appointed Headmaster. Mr Godsil joined the College in 1977 as a teacher of History and English.

6th Form Centre

The new Sixth Form Centre is opened by the Minister for Education, Niamh Bhreathnach The first edition of the popular Grapevine Magazine is published.

Centenary Celebrations

St Andrew’s College celebrates its centenary with a series of events.

Boarding Dept. Closes

The College closes its Boarding Department.

Astroturf pitches

Tommy Allen, SAC’s first international hockey player, opens the two new Astroturf pitches.

Uganda Project

Transition Year Students make the first SAC trip to Uganda.

Collen Building

The Collen Building is opened in September by Mr Niall Nelson, then believed to be our oldest past pupil, and Carlota Carioni, our youngest K1 student.

New Headmaster

Peter Fraser is appointed Headmaster, joining the College from Colston’s School in Bristol.

New Principal

On Peter Fraser’s departure due to ill-health, Deputy Principal, Joan Kirby, became Acting Principal, and shortly after that, Principal. Miss Kirby (then Miss Burke) had joined the teaching staff of the school in 1977. Miss Kirby is the first woman to hold the position of Principal of the College.

New Principal

Louise Marshall, a native of County Down, becomes the tenth College Principal, having been the Deputy Principal of The King’s Hospital School in Palmerstown.

Group Captain John Hemingway

The College welcomed Group Captain John Hemingway to the school, 104, the oldest known surviving past pupil. John is also the last surviving RAF pilot of the Battle of France and of the Battle of Britain - one of “the few”, as Churchill termed the young pilots in his famous speech. Students were captivated by John’s remarkable story.

The College launches a plan for a state-of-the-art classroom wing, library, and vibrant social and performance space for students.