Coláiste Iósaef
Kilmallock, Limerick
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 505 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 251 girls, 254 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 76070A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Coláiste Iósaef Community College (CIK) is a co‑educational, multi‑denominational post‑primary institution situated on the outskirts of Kilmallock, County Limerick. The college provides a supportive and caring learning environment that aims to deliver outstanding educational opportunities for all students. Its core values focus on excellence across academic life, school life, wellbeing and the partnership with parents and guardians, reflecting a holistic approach to student development. The school benefits from a historic, listed building that has been carefully preserved and expanded to meet modern educational needs. Facilities include dedicated learning spaces, a house system that fosters community spirit, and provisions for school meals and extracurricular activities. As a community college, CIK offers a broad curriculum that balances academic rigour with practical and vocational pathways, encouraging students to achieve their full potential in a nurturing setting.
History
Coláiste Iósaef was established in 1998 through the amalgamation of St Joseph’s Secondary School and St Peter’s College, uniting secondary and vocational traditions in post‑primary education. The college occupies a site on the outskirts of Kilmallock, a town whose educational heritage dates back to a collegiate monastery founded nearly five hundred years ago. The original secondary boarding school was founded by the Sisters of Charity of St Paul the Apostle in 1933. In 1998 the existing building was expanded, and as a listed structure the college remains committed to preserving its architectural integrity while providing a notable learning environment for its students.
Applying to Coláiste Iósaef
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 Iósaef. 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 Iósaef
How many pupils attend Coláiste Iósaef?
Coláiste Iósaef has 505 pupils enrolled, 251 girls and 254 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Coláiste Iósaef a DEIS school?
Yes. Coláiste Iósaef 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 Iósaef?
Coláiste Iósaef has an Inter Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.