St. Kevin's was originally known as the Cork Youth Encounter Project, or YEP, when it opened in 1981. It has since been called The Youth Encounter School and Scoil Chaoimhín.

St. Kevin's primary aim is to cater for the needs of children who for a variety of reasons find it difficult to stay in bigger mainstream schools.

The school day runs from 8.50 to 2.30 from September to June and there is no school uniform.

The school offers a primary curriculum and Junior Certificate curriculum according to pupils' ability and needs. All pupils get the opportunity to achieve a Junior Certificate in up to seven subjects.

A selection of curriculum related trips and activities are held throughout the year.

In addition, each pupil has access to Learning Support or Resource teaching and has an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

St Kevin's have won numerous awards in JCSP, Make-a-Book, Cork Historical Project, Discovery Science Award and La Crunch Song Competition. The school has also created a video called 'Left Pocket'.