Kildare school recognised for creating safer, more inclusive environment for students
A Kildare school has been recognised for its work in promoting inclusion, as dozens of education centres across the country received a national award supporting LGBTQ+ students.
Belong To LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland today honoured 39 post-primary schools and Youthreach centres at a ceremony in Royal Marine Hotel, marking what it described as a significant step forward for student wellbeing nationwide.
Among those recognised was Piper's Hill College in Naas, one of just a small number of schools in Kildare to receive the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark.
The accreditation follows an 18-month programme aimed at improving supports for LGBTQ+ young people, including the introduction of inclusive anti-bullying policies, student-led support groups, and engagement with parents and the wider school community.
More than 22,000 students and 2,300 staff are represented across the 39 schools and centres recognised this year.
The Quality Mark is the first national accreditation of its kind and is designed to help schools embed long-term practices that support LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Speaking at the event, Belong To CEO Kieran O’Donovan said the schools being honoured were “leading the way” in creating safe environments for young people.
He noted that while progress is being made, research still shows many LGBTQ+ students feel unsafe at school, adding that the work being done in schools like Piper’s Hill College demonstrates “what is possible when inclusion is prioritised.”
In total, 16 schools received the award for the first time, while 23 were re-accredited, having previously achieved the standard in 2023.
The ceremony brought together educators, students and youth workers from across Ireland to highlight ongoing efforts to foster a culture of belonging in schools.
Belong To says it will continue working with schools nationwide, including in Kildare, to expand the programme and further support LGBTQ+ students.
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