Christian Brothers College
Cork
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 919 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 62520C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Christian Brothers College Cork is a voluntary Catholic secondary school that delivers a holistic education centred on academic excellence and the development of the whole person. The college offers a broad curriculum complemented by a rich programme of extracurricular activities, including a wide range of sports, music, drama and debating, enabling pupils to explore and develop their talents beyond the classroom. A strong emphasis is placed on Catholic values and the ethos of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, fostering a caring Christian community that promotes personal and social development, respect and responsibility. The school occupies a large, elevated site overlooking Cork, providing spacious, modern facilities that support 21st‑century learning. Recent investment has enhanced the campus, notably the state‑of‑the‑art sports complex at Lansdowne and upgraded teaching spaces. These resources, together with a dedicated teaching and coaching staff, create an environment where pupils can achieve their full potential in a safe, nurturing and forward‑looking setting.
History
Christian Brothers College Cork was formally opened on 20 August 1888, although its roots extend back to 1842 when the Vincentian Fathers founded a seminary in the old Mansion House, later moving to St Patrick’s Place as the Cork Diocesan Seminary. In 1888 a new seminary at Farranferris was completed, and the Christian Brothers were invited by Bishop Dr O’Callaghan to take charge of St Patrick’s Place, establishing the college under its present name. The school celebrated its centenary with the opening of a new college building and has since expanded its facilities, including the Lansdowne sports complex. In 2008 the trusteeship transferred to the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, which now provides the charter guiding the college’s vision and values.
Applying to Christian Brothers 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
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Christian Brothers College. 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 Christian Brothers College
How many pupils attend Christian Brothers College?
Christian Brothers College has 919 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Christian Brothers College a DEIS school?
No. Christian Brothers College 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 Christian Brothers College?
Christian Brothers College has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' post-primary school.