Carrick Vocational School / Coláiste Na Carraige
Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 210 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 115 girls, 95 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 71150T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Coláiste na Carraige is a co‑educational, non‑denominational post‑primary school administered by the County Donegal Education & Training Board. The school delivers a comprehensive curriculum grounded in the core values of excellence in education, care, equality, community and respect. It welcomes every member of the local community and strives to provide a high‑quality service that promotes participation, diligence and kindness. Currently part of the Gaeltacht Recognition Scheme, the school is in the process of transitioning from an English‑medium institution to an Irish‑medium school. This bilingual shift aims to enhance students’ opportunities for third‑level study and deepen their appreciation of the Irish language, culture and heritage. Coláiste na Carraige offers a vibrant student life with a wide range of academic, sporting and artistic activities, fostering a community of learners who benefit from both rigorous classroom instruction and a varied extra‑curricular programme. The school’s crest, symbolising the twin parishes of Gleann Cholm Cille and Cill Chartha, reflects its strong local ties and commitment to nurturing knowledge.
Applying to Carrick Vocational School / Coláiste Na Carraige
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 Carrick Vocational School / Coláiste Na Carraige. 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 Carrick Vocational School / Coláiste Na Carraige
How many pupils attend Carrick Vocational School / Coláiste Na Carraige?
Carrick Vocational School / Coláiste Na Carraige has 210 pupils enrolled, 115 girls and 95 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Carrick Vocational School / Coláiste Na Carraige a DEIS school?
Yes. Carrick Vocational School / Coláiste Na Carraige is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
Does Carrick Vocational School / Coláiste Na Carraige teach through Irish?
Carrick Vocational School / Coláiste Na Carraige is located in a Gaeltacht area, where Irish is a community language. The Department of Education record for the school lists no subjects taught through Irish.