Colaiste Ghobnatan
Machromtha, Cork
Key facts
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 212 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 107 girls, 105 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- All pupils taught all subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 70920O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Coláiste Ghobnatan provides Irish‑medium Christian education to all its pupils, aiming to nurture each child as a whole person. The school’s motto, *Go Buaic do Chumais* (“May you win your abilities”), reflects a commitment to developing spiritual, academic and practical skills in a supportive, safe and equitable environment. Pupils are encouraged to build self‑esteem, confidence, responsibility and integrity while engaging with the Irish language as the medium of instruction. The college offers a broad curriculum that includes traditional academic subjects alongside practical workshops such as cooking, science and technology. Facilities have expanded over the decades to include dedicated science laboratories, a kitchen for home economics, a multi‑purpose hall for assemblies and performances, and modern classrooms equipped for contemporary learning. Extra‑curricular activities, including sports, music and community projects, complement the formal programme, fostering a well‑rounded education. A strong community ethos underpins the school, with active involvement from parents and local organisations. The college’s prospectus and calendar are readily available online, providing clear information on programmes, events and the school’s ethos for prospective families.
History
- 1950: Scoil Ghobnatan was founded as a single‑room school for local boys. - Early 1960s: A local hall was hired to accommodate girls, expanding the school’s reach. - 1965: An additional classroom was added, providing a dedicated kitchen and a science/technology room. - 1974: Further rooms were introduced for subjects such as commerce, handwriting, sciences and music, supporting a growing curriculum. - 1981: A major extension added five new classrooms, enhancing capacity. - 1989: Gairmscoil Ghobnatan merged with Coláiste Íosagáin to form Coláiste Ghobnatan, a community college under the patronage of the County Cork Vocational Education Committee and Deoise Cluain Uaimh.
Applying to Colaiste Ghobnatan
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 Colaiste Ghobnatan. 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 Colaiste Ghobnatan
How many pupils attend Colaiste Ghobnatan?
Colaiste Ghobnatan has 212 pupils enrolled, 107 girls and 105 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Colaiste Ghobnatan a DEIS school?
No. Colaiste Ghobnatan 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.
Does Colaiste Ghobnatan teach through Irish?
Yes. Colaiste Ghobnatan teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.