Mr Simon Thompson who has been appointed as the new Principal of Kilkenny College.

The Board of Governors of Midleton College – a Church of Ireland co-educational, day and boarding, second-level school in Cork – have announced today that the school principal, Mr Simon Thompson, has been appointed as the new Principal of Kilkenny College.

Announcing Mr Thompson’s departure to the Midleton College community, the chairperson of the Board, the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross said that Mr Thompson’s eleven years as Principal at Midleton College had been marked by ‘full, energetic and faithful service.’

Dr Colton congratulated Simon Thompson on his appointment to Kilkenny College, one of the largest Protestant boarding schools in the State.

Paying tribute to Simon Thompson’s work at Midleton College, Bishop Colton said:

Simon Thompson arrived in Midleton College as Principal at the start of the 2003-2004 academic year.  Since then he has served indefatigably and conscientiously. As he departs, we are all conscious, I am sure that, even in the eleven years he has been with us, he leaves his mark positively on the long and noble tradition of our school.  He has overseen the growth of the school to the largest pupil and teacher numbers it has ever had in its three centuries in existence.  Under his leadership a school development plan was envisioned and finalised.  The Colton Building and other developments on our campus were realised.  Plans have been laid and fund-raising advanced for the new sports complex.  The pre-school Singing in the Rain was established.  The curriculum was broadened to include additional languages and business subjects, as well as home economics.  Hugely significant too has been his work with the Governors in creating new governance structures for the College, including a Board of Management and a Board of Directors.

Simon Thompson will start his work as Principal of Kilkenny College on 25th August next at the start of the new school year.  During the vacancy at Midleton College and while the recruitment of a new Principal gets under way,  Mr Bud Morrissey (Deputy Principal), has generously and readily agreed to serve as Acting Principal.