Bandon Grammar School
Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 712 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 352 girls, 360 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 62060R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Bandon Grammar School is a co‑educational secondary institution offering both day and boarding places (5‑day and 7‑day options) in a historic setting that reflects its Church of Ireland ethos. The school’s mission centres on promoting excellence and nurturing well‑rounded individuals through a values‑based curriculum that stresses honesty, fairness, personal integrity and respect for others. Learning takes place within a Christian context while embracing a plurality of views, encouraging students to develop confidence, responsibility and self‑esteem across academic, practical, recreational and artistic pursuits. The campus combines heritage buildings with modern facilities. Recent developments include the Deane Building, a new dining hall and a state‑of‑the‑art Technical Block equipped with advanced ICT systems. Sporting provision is extensive, featuring the Williams Building, a sports complex, McCutcheon Hall, a library, astroturf, rugby grounds and ample outdoor space. These resources support a broad range of extracurricular activities, reinforcing the school’s commitment to intellectual growth, practical skills and aesthetic development.
History
Founded in 1642 by the First Earl of Cork, Richard Boyle, Bandon Grammar School began as a free school for boys on Coolfadda (now St Patrick’s Street). Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries the school moved several times, occupying sites such as the North Gate Castle and Bridge Street. In 1826 a purpose‑built Georgian building on Devonshire (now Allin) Square was provided, and under Rev John Browne the school flourished academically. The mid‑20th century saw the purchase of Richmount House (1956) and the creation of extensive sports and agricultural facilities. The 1980s brought major expansion with the Williams Building, sports complex, McCutcheon Hall, library, astroturf and rugby pitches. In the 21st century the campus nearly doubled in size, adding the Deane Building, a new dining hall and a Technical Block with cutting‑edge ICT, reflecting ongoing ambition to offer the best facilities for pupils.
Applying to Bandon Grammar 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 Bandon Grammar 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 Bandon Grammar 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 Bandon Grammar School
How many pupils attend Bandon Grammar School?
Bandon Grammar School has 712 pupils enrolled, 352 girls and 360 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Bandon Grammar School a DEIS school?
No. Bandon Grammar 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 Bandon Grammar School?
Bandon Grammar School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.