Sligo Sudbury
Secular
Updated July 2026
Languages
EnglishSligo Sudbury School is an independent, democratic school for students aged 5-18 that provides a safe environment for self-directed learning and self-governance. It is a registered charity and a founding member of Democratic Education Ireland.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school operates on the Sudbury model, which prioritizes self-directed education, democracy, and individual freedom. It trusts in children's innate curiosity, allowing them to choose their own learning goals and pursue them at their own pace without curricula or timetabled lessons. Responsibility is fostered through the School Meeting, where collective decisions are made and students participate in the governance of the community.
Programmes
The school does not follow a traditional curriculum or use timetabled lessons. Instead, it offers a learner-centered environment where students have the agency to pursue their own interests and passions. Staff facilitate learning by providing access to resources and supporting students in their chosen projects, ranging from science and mathematics to the creative and performing arts.
Outcomes
Graduates have pursued diverse paths, including further study through QQI courses and A levels, apprenticeship programmes, and direct entry into the workforce. Students may complete a Graduation Programme, which requires achieving a Gaisce Award and creating a Personal Portfolio that showcases their self-directed learning journey.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides a supportive environment where staff act as mentors and facilitators rather than traditional teachers. They assist students by listening, researching, brainstorming, and sharing their own skills, while also facilitating conflict resolution through the "Just Chat" Committee.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What ages does Sligo Sudbury teach?
- Sligo Sudbury enrolls students aged 5 to 18.
- Is Sligo Sudbury a day or boarding school?
- Sligo Sudbury is a day school.
- Is Sligo Sudbury co-educational?
- Sligo Sudbury is a co-ed school.
- Where is Sligo Sudbury located?
- Sligo Sudbury is an international school in Sligo, Ireland.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The admissions process begins with families researching the school’s philosophy, followed by an Open Day visit. Applicants must submit an application form and fee, after which an enrolment meeting is held with parents and the prospective student. Successful applicants enter a four-week settling-in period, after which the School Meeting votes to confirm final enrolment.
Facilities
About the campus
The school is located in the Faughts townland, near Sligo town. The campus provides an environment for self-directed learning, supporting activities such as woodwork, music, and sports through dedicated spaces and resources.
Co-curriculars
Students engage in a wide range of self-chosen activities, including arts, crafts, cooking, baking, gardening, and nature activities. Physical pursuits include climbing, bouldering, football, and fitness, while creative outlets include drama, music recording, stop-motion animation, woodwork, and various clubs such as art and party planning.
- Ciara BarrettStaff Member
Ciara mentors and supports the younger students. She enjoys sharing her passions and skills of arts, crafts, cooking, baking, gardening, nature activities, crochet, knitting and playing games. She also sits on the Outreach, Staffing and Upkeep Circles and is a member of the JC Committee.
- Isabel KuroczkaStaff Member
Izzy currently manages the office at school and fulfils many of the administrative tasks that come with running a school and a business. Besides that she engages with our young people daily, helping with problems large and small, supporting them to become autonomous, resilient and effective adults that have the vital skills of effective communication, conflict resolution, self-reflection and critical thinking.
Kim KennedyStaff MemberKim enjoys creating an environment for creative expression and experimentation to flourish through crafts, art, writing, physical movement and language. They are inspired from their interest in community building, life-long learning and interpersonal relationships which drives their commitment to internal conflict resolution process Just Chat Committee, Consent workshops, mentor meetings and being a part of clubs and committees such as art club, and party planning committee.
Conall O FiannachtaStaff MemberConall is a qualified Rock Climbing Instructor, Mountain Leader and Level 2 Kayak Coach and has previously qualified as a Swim Teacher, Pool Lifeguard, Snorkelling Instructor and more. He has a Bachelor Degree in Business and Sport, FETAC 6 in Sports Community Development and FETAC 5 in Adventure Leadership Skills. He supports students in a variety of areas at school including climbing and bouldering, football and fitness, woodwork, leadership and team-building skills, and school maintenance.
Krzysiek DąbekStaff MemberOriginally from Poland, Krzysiek has a lifelong passion for making and learning. Since moving to Ireland, he has embraced multiple creative roles and enhanced his love for the outdoors by becoming a Forest School Leader in Leitrim and Sligo. In the school he helps students with diy projects, wood work, drawing, stop motion, and music recording.
- Troy DevaneyStaff Member
Troy’s background is in engineering and he worked in the aviation industry for many years. His main passion has always been guitar and music and he spent his free time training as a classical guitarist, achieving his music grades with Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Troy teaches guitar, facilitates drama club, and supports students with engineering projects.