Killarney School’s Bold Move for LGBTQ+ Inclusion Is Making Headlines

St Brendan’s College in Killarney has been awarded the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark, recognising its 18‑month commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students. The school was honoured alongside 39 institutions across Ireland.

St Brendan’s College in Killarney has been officially recognised for its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students, earning the prestigious Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark after an intensive 18‑month programme Independent.ie reports. The award, presented at a ceremony in Dublin’s Royal Marine Hotel, highlights the school’s work in building a culture where every young person feels supported, respected and able to be themselves.

The Killarney school was one of 39 post‑primary schools and Youthreach centres across Ireland honoured at the event, representing more than 2,300 staff and over 22,000 students nationwide. The recognition marks a major milestone for St Brendan’s, which has been working closely with Belong To to strengthen policies, staff training and student‑led initiatives aimed at improving the everyday experience of LGBTQ+ young people.

The Quality Mark is awarded only to schools that demonstrate real, measurable progress in areas such as student safety, visibility, inclusion and community engagement. For St Brendan’s, the achievement reflects a wider cultural shift within Irish education, as more schools take active steps to ensure LGBTQ+ students feel seen, valued and protected.

With growing national attention on student wellbeing and equality, St Brendan’s College now stands as a leading example of how schools can foster meaningful change — not through token gestures, but through long‑term commitment and collaboration.