 Newtown School was founded in 1798 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker), on the estates of the former home of Sir Thomas Wyse.Its original purpose was the education of Quakers in the south of Ireland, and until 1858 no non-Quakers were admitted, although priority is given to applicants who are Quakers.In 1924 Newtown adopted a fully coeducational policy which it has maintained to the present day.