Ardgillan Community College
Balbriggan, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 1,014 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 390 girls, 624 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 76129H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ardgillan Community College is a co‑educational secondary school situated in Castlelands, Balbriggan, County Dublin. The college fosters a happy and caring community where pupils are encouraged and supported to reach their full potential. Its ethos is built on teamwork, respect and the pursuit of excellence, with a strong emphasis on respect, tolerance and understanding of a diverse, changing world. The school’s motto, “Mol an Óige agus Tiocfaidh Sí” (Praise the young and they will flourish), reflects its commitment to nurturing individual abilities and talents through a broad, balanced curriculum. The college provides a range of resources to enhance learning, including access to a virtual learning environment (VSWare) and up‑to‑date booklists for each academic year. Facilities support both academic and extracurricular development, with dedicated spaces for sport, music and drama. Regular news updates, open evenings and clear admissions information demonstrate the school’s openness and engagement with the wider community.
Applying to Ardgillan Community College
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Ardgillan Community College. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Ardgillan Community College
How many pupils attend Ardgillan Community College?
Ardgillan Community College has 1,014 pupils enrolled, 390 girls and 624 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Ardgillan Community College a DEIS school?
No. Ardgillan Community College is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Ardgillan Community College?
Ardgillan Community College has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.