The Christian Brothers arrived in Midleton in 1867 at the request of the parish priest who recognized the need of a dedicated school to educate the town's Roman Catholic male youth, at a time when the Church of Ireland's Midleton College was fast expanding. The local community provided donations for the cost of the construction, and the school opened on 3 April 1867, with over 300 pupils joining in its first week.[2] The last of the Christian Brothers left the school in 2003, with the monastery and old school building being taken over by the Diocese of Cloyne for parish use.[3]
The school buildings were massively extended in the 2010s, in a project which cost €12.6 million.[4]
The school has a notable history in hurling, especially the Dr. Harty Cup which has been won a total of 4 times by the school.[6][failed verification] Midleton CBS also have a successful athletics set up and have won All-Ireland's in a number of athletic events.[7][failed verification]
Brian Corcoran, former inter-county hurler, no.58 in 125 greatest hurlers and voted left corner-back in the Cork Hurling team of the century.
Paul Townend 6 time Irish Jump Racing champion Jockey with numerous wins under his belt including 3 Gold cups and 28 total wins at the Cheltenham Festival.