The Board of Directors of Kilkenny College are delighted to announce that Emma Raughter, a former pupil of the College, has been appointed as Principal.  She will replace Simon Thompson who departed at the end of August. Emma, originally from Greystones, Co. Wicklow, has for the past nine years served as the Principal of the 720 girls Loreto Secondary School in Bray, Co. Wicklow.

Ms Raughter graduated from St. Mary’s University College, Strawberry Hill, London with a B.A. in Education, Biology & Physical Education in 1995.  She graduated from University College Dublin with a Higher Diploma in Career Guidance & Counselling in 2000 and a Masters in Education (Leadership & Management) in 2012.

During her career to date, Ms Raughter has been a teacher of Biology, Science & Physical Education at Dundalk Grammar School from 1995 to 1999 and Our Lady’s School, Templeogue from 2000 to 2006. She was Guidance Counsellor at Coláiste Chraobh Abhann, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow from 2006 to 2012 when she was appointed as Deputy Principal at St. David’s Holy Faith Secondary School, Greystones, Co. Wicklow. In 2014, Ms Raughter was appointed as Principal at Loreto Secondary School, Bray, Co. Wicklow.

Ms Raughter has a deep interest in sport and has played, coached, and umpired Hockey for many years, enjoys running and is a “massive fan of Leinster Rugby”. She has continually involved herself in extra-curricular activities which she sees as an invaluable opportunity for students to experience joy while developing skills and knowledge outside the academic curriculum.

Kilkenny College and the entire school community of students, staff, parents, and Board members, welcome Ms Raughter’s return to the College and to the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory.  We wish Emma every success in her new role, which will commence in early February 2023. We are confident that she will not only steer Kilkenny College with great skill and enthusiasm towards its 500th anniversary in 2038, but her achievement in taking on the leadership role at one of the top secondary schools in Ireland, should motivate all of the pupils under her care to strive to reach the top in whatever career path they undertake.