The story of Confey College, Leixlip, began in 1986 with no site, no building and thirty six students! The early years were a struggle of love for all concerned. They were wonderful years during which so many people came together with a common goal- a second level school for the young people of the community.
Confey College started life in San Carlo Senior National School in 1986 with thirty six students. Staff consisted of two full time teachers; Ms. Anna McKenna and Mr. John Houlihan and Ms. Pamela Traynor as principal. Prefabs arrived on the present site as student numbers increased in 1987 to one hundred and twelve students and this heralded the appointment of key personnel - Mr. Cathal Travers (Deputy Principal) and Mr. Tom Malone (caretaker).
Parents fought for a new building with their time, determination, commitment, numerous initiatives and their talents. They campaigned alongside the staff, the Board of Management and Kildare VEC for the right of their children to be educated locally. They raised funds, they petitioned politicians, made posters, organised and took part in marches and attended many meetings with politicians. Those were wonderful years as relationships were cemented through the difficulties everyone faced together to achieve what the young people of Confey College deserved.
The tradition of the Outdoor Education programme began in the early days of Confey College. There was so much energy and commitment from the staff. Students were regularly taken away for weekends of adventure to Killary and Delphi and day trips of hill climbing to Glendalough. This tradition has continued throughout the twenty six years of the school's history.
In 1991, with great joy and satisfaction, staff and students moved into the first building. However it was only a quarter of the A building as we know it today. The practical subjects had the pleasure of teaching from under the one roof - Art, Home Economics, Science and Woodwork. Prefabs were still being used so there was still many a wet head! At that stage the school had approximately 250 students so more work had to be done.
In 1994 the A building was finally complete with PE Hall. Numbers had reached approximately four hundred and with a growing population the VEC along with the school had to apply for planning permission for a second building.
In September 2001 the Irish Department moved into the new two-storey building with many others following suit in November of that year. The school was now able to cater for 800 students.
As the years have gone by the school has had the privilege of opening up its doors to students from the wider area. School buses now drive up Captain's Hill as they take students from Lucan and Celbridge. The student population now stands at seven hundred and is testimony to the hard work of all staff.
In February 2011 President Mary McAleese visited Confey College to launch the celebrations of the school's silver jubilee. This was a day that celebrated school life and reunited staff from many years back.
The school has also enjoyed great academic and sporting success over the years. The Irish Times marked the school as one of the top ten schools in Leinster. There has also been much sporting success during the school's twenty seven years. Confey College has achieved success in Gaelic, hurling, soccer, futsal, basketball athletics. There is no doubt about it, Confey College is leading the way in education.