Catholic University School
Dublin 2, Dublin
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 544 about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 60540V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Catholic University School (C.U.S.) is a private, Catholic secondary school for boys situated in the heart of Dublin on Lower Leeson Street. Operating under the trusteeship of the Marist Fathers, the school delivers a whole‑person education that balances rigorous academic study with the development of heart, spirit and physical wellbeing. Class sizes are deliberately kept to a maximum of 22‑24 pupils, with even smaller groups for optional subjects, ensuring personalised attention and a supportive learning environment. The curriculum offers a broad range of subjects designed to give each student the best possible opportunity to excel, while the school’s extensive extracurricular programme includes rugby, cricket, tennis, athletics, swimming, martial arts and many other activities. Set within a historic Georgian campus, C.U.S. blends its rich heritage with modern teaching methodologies and state‑of‑the‑art facilities, providing a vibrant space where tradition meets innovation. The school’s ethos, rooted in the Marist values of humility, simplicity and family spirit, underpins a community that prioritises character formation, service and inclusive participation.
History
Founded in 1867 by the Marist Fathers, Catholic University School has more than 150 years of continuous operation as a Marist‑run institution for boys. From its inception the school has combined academic excellence with a strong emphasis on moral and spiritual development, maintaining its historic Georgian campus in Dublin while evolving its educational provision to meet contemporary needs.
Applying to Catholic University 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 Catholic University 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 Catholic University School
How many pupils attend Catholic University School?
Catholic University School has 544 pupils enrolled. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Catholic University School a DEIS school?
No. Catholic University 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 Catholic University School?
Catholic University School has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' post-primary school.