The Board of Directors of Bandon Grammar School are delighted to announce that Ian Coombes, headmaster of Kilkenny College,  has been appointed as principal of the school.  He will replace David Sutton who will be retiring at the end of August.

Ian Coombes, who returns to Bandon Grammar School as Principal

Ian is no stranger to Bandon Grammar School having been principal here for ten years until 2010 when he was appointed headmaster of Kilkenny College. The Chairperson of the Board of Management, Canon Paul Willoughby, commenting on the appointment said:

 I am delighted at Ian’s appointment. I first got to know Ian when my children were boarding pupils here at Bandon. The one thing that stands out for me was his pastoral care of my children, sometimes when problems arose. Nothing was too much trouble.   Pastoral care of pupils has always been Ian’s number one priority. He also has great wisdom and broad experience of education in Ireland  which we will need in Bandon in the coming years. Our particular educational sector is under great pressure at present with many issues and challenges to be faced.

Ian, a native of Clonakilty, is a past pupil of Bandon Grammar School. He also taught Geography and History here for 18 years. He is hugely committed to a broad curriculum in school and along with sport, where he has a background in both playing and coaching rugby, he is also committed to the artistic side of school life. is vision for Bandon Grammar School is to keep it at the forefront of Irish and international education during his tenure.

Canon Willoughby added:

We look forward to welcoming Ian, Glynnis and their family back to Bandon and to the Diocese of  Cork, Cloyne and Ross.