Twenty-five schools have shifted from single-sex to co-ed in the past three years, reflecting rising demand for mixed education. Now, 70% of secondary students attend co-ed schools, up from 65% a decade ago. The trend is expected to grow, as the government no longer funds new single-sex schools. 

Schools like Mercy Secondary in Inchicore have seen enrolment surge after making the switch. The school’s principal, Michelle O’Kelly, joins Kieran to discuss.