Coláiste Cois Siúire
Kilkenny
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 167 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 62 girls, 105 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 70620C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Coláiste Cois Siúire is a modern, co‑educational, non‑denominational post‑primary school situated on a spacious four‑acre campus in the Kilkenny‑Carlow ETB area. The school delivers a quality education within a safe, mutually respectful and innovative learning environment, recognising each pupil’s individuality and encouraging enthusiastic, determined learners. Small class sizes and a favourable pupil‑teacher ratio support personalised instruction, while a broad, balanced curriculum offers a wide range of subject options that promote lifelong learning. The school’s ethos is underpinned by the five core values of the Education and Training Board – excellence, care, equality, community and respect – and it embraces technology to keep students and parents connected to teaching, assessment and reporting. Extra‑curricular provision is extensive, including team sports, music, a free nutritious breakfast club, and dedicated bus services, all aimed at fostering a well‑rounded, supportive community where academic achievement and personal development thrive.
History
Mooncoin Vocational School, one of Ireland’s first rural vocational schools, opened in 1935 after the efforts of Canon Doyle and Minister for Education Tom Derrig. Initially offering woodwork, rural science and domestic science to three classrooms, the school aimed to provide post‑primary education and improve agricultural knowledge in the parish. Over the decades it expanded with night classes for adults, a farmers’ discussion group (1939) that led to the formation of Macra na Feirme (1944), and new workshops for building and metalwork in the 1950s. Enrolments grew, prompting prefabricated classrooms and the introduction of the Leaving Certificate in 1978. In 1993 the new, renamed institution – Coláiste Cois Siúire – was officially opened, continuing its legacy of community‑focused, innovative education.
Applying to Coláiste Cois Siúire
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 Cois Siúire. 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 Cois Siúire
How many pupils attend Coláiste Cois Siúire?
Coláiste Cois Siúire has 167 pupils enrolled, 62 girls and 105 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Coláiste Cois Siúire a DEIS school?
Yes. Coláiste Cois Siúire 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 Coláiste Cois Siúire?
Coláiste Cois Siúire has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.