Coláiste Cholmáin
Mayo
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 402 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 64610N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St Colman’s College, Claremorris is an all‑boys Catholic secondary school situated on its own grounds a mile from the town of Claremorris. It operates as an all‑ability, Christian community that respects staff and nurtures every pupil to reach their full potential. The school’s ethos is centred on the development of the whole person – spiritually, academically, practically, physically, socially and culturally – and it seeks to provide a caring, respectful environment where each student feels a sense of belonging, similar to a supportive home. Teaching is organised to meet the varied ages and abilities of the learners, with a strong emphasis on quality of instruction and high academic standards. A broad curriculum offers a wide choice of subjects, complemented by a rich programme of extracurricular activities, sports, and cultural events. The college places particular importance on mental health and wellbeing, promoting an inclusive policy that encourages students to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Parental partnership is actively encouraged through a Parents Council, regular meetings and clear communication channels such as homework diaries and newsletters. Student leadership is fostered via an elected Student Council, giving pupils a voice in school life and reinforcing responsibility, respect and community spirit.
History
St Colman’s College was founded in 1945, a date commemorated on one of the school’s gables. The school was established at the request of the local community by Fr John Colleran and has since grown from its original foundation to become a modern, all‑ability secondary school that continues to serve the needs of its students and the wider community.
Applying to Coláiste Cholmáin
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 Coláiste Cholmáin's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Coláiste Cholmáin. 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 Coláiste Cholmáin
How many pupils attend Coláiste Cholmáin?
Coláiste Cholmáin has 402 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Coláiste Cholmáin a DEIS school?
No. Coláiste Cholmáin 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 Cholmáin?
Coláiste Cholmáin has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' post-primary school.