Borris Vocational School
Carlow
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 558 about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 263 girls, 295 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 70400L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Borris College is a post‑primary institution situated in Knocknagundarragh, Borris, County Carlow, operating under the trusteeship of the Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB). The school’s ethos centres on creating a caring, inclusive environment where honesty, tolerance and responsibility are nurtured, and every learner is encouraged to develop self‑confidence and reach their full potential. Academic provision is broad and balanced, offering Junior Cycle, Leaving Certificate, and Transition Year programmes that cater to a wide range of abilities and interests. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, problem‑solving, communication and collaborative skills, preparing students for lifelong learning and future careers that may not yet exist. Pastoral care is a core component of daily life at Borris College. Each morning, after breakfast club, class groups meet with their class teacher, and every year group is supported by a member of the Assistant Principal team, ensuring a structured support network. Student voice is actively promoted through a variety of committees and a strong student‑council, fostering robust relationships between learners and staff. The school also benefits from modern facilities that support both academic and extracurricular activities, including dedicated spaces for sport, arts, and specialised learning resources.
Applying to Borris Vocational 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 Borris Vocational 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 Borris Vocational School
How many pupils attend Borris Vocational School?
Borris Vocational School has 558 pupils enrolled, 263 girls and 295 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Borris Vocational School a DEIS school?
No. Borris Vocational 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 Borris Vocational School?
Borris Vocational School has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.