About Us
Join West Cork Sudbury School (WCSS) in a movement towards a revolutionary education model where students play an equal part in the democratic running of the school,
shaping their unique learning experiences.
Following the success of Wicklow Sudbury School and Sligo Sudbury School, WCSS opened its doors to the first group of students in September 2020.
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As a Democratic School of Self-directed learning and registered Charity, WCSS is unlike any other school in County Cork (Ireland).
The Educational Provision at West Cork Sudbury School is assessed by Tusla Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service and children attending are eligible for registration, as in receipt of an education, under Section 14 the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000.
The original Sudbury Valley School has been running in America for fifty years, where extensive research has shown the benefits of facilitating children to learn on their own terms whilst becoming active members of a democratic community.
To start check out the Graduates Study from Circle School in Pennsylvania (USA) founded in 1984 and see our Research Listing!
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We have found a home in beautiful Coomhola, West Cork. Our building is spacious and bright with lots of rooms to explore different interests, study and feel at home.
It is surrounded by lawns, an orchard, forestry and different bodies of water. The outside space also includes a basketball and tennis court as well as a covered area to use tools, play table tennis, skateboard, practice circus skills - and so much more!
The founders, trustees and staff of WCSS believe in giving equal value to all types of intelligence and that children and teens should be given the freedom to make their own choices, which can then lead on to an understanding of the responsibility that this entails. In this way children and teens take ownership of their education, enabling them to become engaged, conscious and self-motivated members of their communities.
As a democratic school students and staff play and equal part in the running of the school and through this, develop an understanding of the democratic process.
To learn more please scroll down to read our Core Values and see Support & FAQs pages!
West Cork Subury School, CLG
Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA) 20206027
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The main object for which the Charity has been established
is to provide self-directed democratic education following the Sudbury model.
This education is provided to members of the public between 5-18 years of age,
on premises specifically suited for this purpose with lots of outdoor space to explore nature,
purpose equipped rooms, such as music room, library etc and workshop spaces.
Students are supervised and assisted by staff members fully versed in our
Child Protection Policy. Their work is supported by outsourcing tutors
and excursions from the premises on request from students.
Upcoming Events
Ongoing Info-Meetings on various topics concerning WCSS!
Come and join us to learn more about WCSS and dive in deeper into all things Sudbury model.
Each info-meeting will revolve around a certain topic. During each meeting there is time set aside for Questions & Answers with staff, parents and students of West Cork Sudbury School.
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Dates and Locations will be posted in our Events section!
Core Values
We believe in giving equal value to all types of intelligence, and that children and teens should be able to learn to trust their own intuition.
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We believe children and teens will flourish when given the space, resources and support to follow their passions at their own pace and in their own unique way.
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We believe in the importance of play, and that through free age-mixing children and teens are able to develop their social skills and empathy in a meaningful way.
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We believe everyone has innate abilities, natural instincts and personal autonomy which will be nurtured, supported and respected in our school.
We believe children and teens should be given the freedom to make their own choices, which can then lead on to an understanding of the responsibility that this entails. In this way children and teens take ownership of their education, enabling them to become engaged, conscious and self-motivated members of their communities.
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We believe in the importance of green spaces and the outdoors to enhance learning and to allow children and teens to connect with nature.
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We believe that our planet and local environments should be considered and respected. To that end, we take into account bio-diversity, climate change, social justice, ecological integrity and other ethical issues when making decisions that affect the running of our school.
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We see that the changing nature of our world calls more and more for the abilities the Sudbury model of education nurtures, such as personal & collective responsibility, critical thinking and creativity.