Ashbourne Community School
Ashbourne, Meath
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 1,109 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 555 girls, 554 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 91495T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ashbourne Community School is a co‑educational, multi‑denominational secondary school serving Ashbourne and the surrounding area. Operating under the joint patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Meath and Louth and the Meath Education and Training Board, the school’s mission is built on the values of respect, inclusion and care. These principles underpin a restorative approach to relationships, fostering a safe and supportive environment where student voice and leadership are integral to daily life. The school offers a broad curriculum across both Junior and Senior Cycles, supported by a large student population that enables a wide range of academic subjects and extracurricular activities. Facilities include dedicated spaces for adult education, a sports hall available for community hire, and a technology programme that equips Transition Year and Fifth Year students with personal laptops. A vibrant extracurricular programme encourages participation in sport, arts, and various clubs, promoting personal development and a strong sense of belonging. Strong links with parents, local sporting clubs and businesses reinforce the school’s community ethos. Continuous professional development for staff ensures teaching practices remain current, contributing to the school’s recognised academic record and its reputation as a progressive institution that embraces new initiatives and pilot programmes.
History
Ashbourne Community School opened its doors in September 1994 following a community campaign to establish a secondary school in Ashbourne. The school celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024, marking three decades of providing education to local families. Since its inception, the school has grown from its original cohort to a large, thriving student body, maintaining a reputation for academic excellence and progressive practice.
Applying to Ashbourne Community School
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
View Ashbourne Community School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Ashbourne Community School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Ashbourne Community School
How many pupils attend Ashbourne Community School?
Ashbourne Community School has 1,109 pupils enrolled, 555 girls and 554 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Ashbourne Community School a DEIS school?
No. Ashbourne Community School 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 Ashbourne Community School?
Ashbourne Community School has an Inter Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.