Coláiste Bhríde Carnew
Arklow, Wicklow
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 836 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 407 girls, 429 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 70790E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Coláiste Bhríde Carnew is a modern second‑level school operating under the Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB). The college is equipped to a high standard and serves a catchment area that includes South Wicklow, North Wexford and parts of County Carlow. It offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to promote both academic success and personal development, encouraging students to discover and develop their individual talents while maintaining high standards of achievement and behaviour. The school’s ethos is built on mutual respect, goodwill and a caring, disciplined environment. It strives to create an affirmative climate of learning where each pupil can fulfil their unique potential, supported by a range of student‑centred services such as student support, leadership programmes, a student council and a French exchange initiative. The institution also adheres to a full suite of KWETB policies covering attendance, child protection, health and safety, ICT usage and positive discipline, ensuring a safe and supportive setting for all learners. Coláiste Bhríde places a strong emphasis on community partnership and shared responsibility, recognising the contributions of students, parents, staff and statutory bodies. The school’s mission is to pursue excellence in all endeavours, preparing graduates to leave with pride and satisfaction in their achievements and the values they have embraced during their time at the college.
History
Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew was established in 1936 to fulfil, support and meet the educational needs of its surrounding environs.
Applying to Coláiste Bhríde Carnew
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 Coláiste Bhríde Carnew. 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 Coláiste Bhríde Carnew
How many pupils attend Coláiste Bhríde Carnew?
Coláiste Bhríde Carnew has 836 pupils enrolled, 407 girls and 429 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Coláiste Bhríde Carnew a DEIS school?
No. Coláiste Bhríde Carnew 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 Coláiste Bhríde Carnew?
Coláiste Bhríde Carnew has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.