History

A Tradition of Excellence, A Future of Opportunity

For more than sixty years, Salerno Secondary School has been inspiring young women to grow in confidence, knowledge and character. While our campus and facilities have evolved over the decades, our mission has remained unchanged: to provide an education that nurtures the whole person and prepares each student to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Our story begins long before the school itself was founded. The Sisters of Jesus and Mary, established by Saint Claudine Thévenet in Lyon, France in 1818, arrived in Ireland in 1912 with a vision of education rooted in compassion, hope and the belief that every young person possesses unique gifts waiting to be discovered.

Those founding principles continue to shape life at Salerno today.

The Early Years

As the community of Salthill expanded during the 1950s, the Sisters recognised the growing need for education in the area. In 1952 they opened Scoil Íde, a primary school housed in the former Dalysfort House, welcoming just 43 pupils.

A decade later, in 1962, the next chapter began.

A small group of eight first-year students formed what became known as the "Secondary Top", studying in an upstairs classroom in Scoil Íde under the leadership of Sr. Stanislaus. Alongside core academic subjects, students immersed themselves in music, debating, languages, art and home economics, establishing a tradition of developing the whole person that continues to define Salerno today.

As enrolment steadily increased, the growing secondary school required a permanent home.

In 1965, the school moved to the beautiful house known as Salerno on Revagh Road. With 65 students enrolled, the school proudly adopted the name it still carries today.

From these modest beginnings, Salerno continued to flourish, eventually moving to its present campus on Threadneedle Road, where generations of students have continued to learn, grow and achieve.

Guided by Our Ethos

Everything we do at Salerno is shaped by the educational philosophy of Saint Claudine Thévenet and the Sisters of Jesus and Mary.

As a proud member of the Le Chéile Schools Trust, we believe education extends far beyond academic success. We strive to develop confident, compassionate young women who understand the importance of respect, responsibility and service to others.

Our ethos encourages every student to:

• achieve her personal best

• discover and develop her individual talents

• grow in confidence and self-worth

• embrace diversity and inclusion

• contribute positively to her school and wider community

• learn with curiosity, kindness and integrity

We believe every student deserves to feel valued, heard and encouraged to fulfil her potential in a caring and supportive environment.

Growing Together

Over six decades, Salerno has become much more than a school.

It is a community where lifelong friendships are formed, talents are discovered and ambitions begin to take shape. Thousands of graduates have gone on to make meaningful contributions across education, healthcare, science, business, sport, the arts and public service, carrying with them the values they first experienced here.

While we are proud of our heritage, we are equally excited about the future. Modern facilities, innovative teaching and a vibrant school community ensure today's students receive an education that prepares them for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.

Looking Forward

From eight pioneering students in a single classroom to the thriving school community we know today, Salerno's journey has always been one of growth, courage and opportunity.

Inspired by our past and guided by our enduring values, we continue to provide an education where every young woman is encouraged to flourish academically, personally and spiritually.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to the vision that has defined Salerno from the very beginning: to educate with compassion, inspire with excellence, and empower every student to make a positive difference in the world.