Ashton School
Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 539 about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 278 girls, 261 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 81008W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ashton School is a Church of Ireland co‑educational comprehensive situated on the Blackrock Road in Cork. Under the joint patronage of the Bishop of Cork and the Cork Education and Training Board, the school welcomes pupils from the Protestant community and the wider, pluralist society, offering an inclusive, multi‑denominational environment. Its ethos stresses Christian values, personal moral development and the partnership of parents and teachers in fostering high standards of academic achievement, personal behaviour and respect. The curriculum is broad and balanced, catering for children of all abilities and multiple intelligences through a wide range of subjects and a strong extra‑curricular programme that includes sport, music and clubs. Facilities include a purpose‑built teaching block and a modern sports hall, providing space for both academic and physical development. Ashton aims to create a caring, supportive atmosphere where each student is valued as an individual and encouraged to reach their full potential.
History
Ashton School was established in September 1972 when Rochelle School and Cork Grammar School merged on the Blackrock Road site. A new teaching block and sports hall were opened in November 1975. The first principal, Victor Bond, served from 1972 to 1996 and was succeeded by Charles Payne (1996‑2006), Bertie Smith (2006‑2011) and Adrian Landen (from 2011). The former Rochelle boarding hostel, opened in 1972, closed in 1999 and was demolished in 2003. Rochelle School itself was founded in 1829, while Cork Grammar traces its roots to Cork High School (1876) and its formal establishment in 1882; both schools moved to the Blackrock Road in the mid‑20th century.
Applying to Ashton 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
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Ashton School. 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 Ashton School
How many pupils attend Ashton School?
Ashton School has 539 pupils enrolled, 278 girls and 261 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Ashton School a DEIS school?
No. Ashton 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 Ashton School?
Ashton School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.