Banagher College
Offaly
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 556 about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 287 girls, 269 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 76105Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Banagher College (Coláiste Na Sionna) is a multi‑denominational post‑primary institution situated in Banagher, Co. Offaly. Operated under the trusteeship of the Laois & Offaly Education and Training Board, the college delivers a Christian‑inspired curriculum while welcoming pupils of all faiths. Governance is provided by a Board of Management, with day‑to‑day leadership from the principal. The school places a strong emphasis on digital literacy, offering a Student Devices FAQ and a range of electronic resources to support learning across the Junior and Leaving Certificate cycles. The college occupies a purpose‑built, state‑of‑the‑art campus created through a public‑private partnership and opened in 2010. Modern classrooms, specialist laboratories, and dedicated spaces for technology, arts and physical education provide a comprehensive learning environment. In addition to academic provision, the school promotes a positive ethos through its Code of Behaviour, online safety initiatives and a robust pastoral care framework, aiming to develop well‑rounded individuals prepared for further education and community life.
History
The origins of Banagher College lie in two historic institutions. La Sainte Union Secondary School, a voluntary Catholic school founded by the La Sainte Union de Sacré Cœur congregation, opened in 1863 on Main Street and operated as a boarding school for both boys and girls. St Rynagh’s Community College, originally Banagher Vocational School, was established in 1953 and expanded with a major extension in 1986. In 1999 the Department of Education proposed amalgamating the two schools to better serve the locality; the trustees agreed in 2001. Construction of a new, modern community college on the La Sainte Union site began in 2007 and the merged Banagher College became fully operational in 2010, uniting the legacy of both predecessor schools.
Applying to Banagher 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 Banagher 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 Banagher College
How many pupils attend Banagher College?
Banagher College has 556 pupils enrolled, 287 girls and 269 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Banagher College a DEIS school?
No. Banagher 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 Banagher College?
Banagher College has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.