Chanel College
Dublin
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 451 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 60550B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Chanel College is a Catholic secondary school situated in Coolock Village, Dublin 5, operating under the trusteeship of the Marist Fathers. The college follows the Marist educational ethos, which emphasises high academic standards, responsible citizenship and Christian values, and seeks to nurture each pupil as a unique individual. A broad, inclusive curriculum is offered across both the Junior and Senior cycles, with a particular focus on ensuring that no student is left behind nor unchallenged. The school promotes a holistic approach to learning, combining rigorous academic provision with a strong pastoral care framework that encourages personal responsibility and community involvement. The college provides state‑of‑the‑art sporting facilities and a wide range of extra‑curricular activities, enabling students to develop teamwork, leadership and lifelong friendships beyond the classroom. Recent developments include the transition to a co‑educational model from September 2026, reflecting the school’s commitment to evolving with the needs of its community while maintaining its Marist heritage. Modern resources such as the IXL Maths & English app and a Junior Cycle Study Buddy further support learners in achieving their full potential.
History
Chanel College opened its doors in 1955 with twelve pupils, a year after the canonisation of St Pierre Chanel, the Marist Father after whom the school is named. The original school buildings were constructed in the late 1960s, and the college has grown steadily ever since, now educating over 600 young people. The Marist Fathers, part of the Society of Mary founded in France in 1836 by Jean Claude Colin, have a long tradition of education, and Chanel College continues this legacy as a member of the Marist Education Authority, which oversees its Catholic and Marist ethos.
Applying to Chanel 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
View Chanel College's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Chanel College. 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 Chanel College
How many pupils attend Chanel College?
Chanel College has 451 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Chanel College a DEIS school?
Yes. Chanel College 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.
What is the ethos of Chanel College?
Chanel College has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.