Cork Educate Together Secondary School
Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 403 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 188 girls, 215 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 68263P the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Cork Educate Together Secondary School is the first Educate Together secondary institution established outside the Greater Dublin area, offering a fully state‑funded, technology‑rich learning environment. The school adopts a 21st‑century, student‑centred model that minimises reliance on traditional textbooks and instead focuses on problem‑solving, critical and creative thinking, and interdisciplinary projects. Learning is driven by the four pillars of the Educate Together ethos – equality, democracy, ethical education and learner‑centred practice – ensuring that every pupil, regardless of social, cultural or religious background, is respected and encouraged to develop a strong personal voice and active citizenship. The curriculum promotes cooperation over competition, cross‑curricular links, and autonomy, allowing students to choose how they learn and to pursue intrinsic motivation. A robust ethical programme includes education about diverse belief systems, and the school supports inclusive initiatives such as a student‑led Rainbow Club and membership of the Schools of Sanctuary network, creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ students and those from marginalised ethnic communities. The catchment area stretches from Frankfield to Rochestown, with dedicated bus services, and a large site has been purchased for future building development, underscoring the school’s long‑term commitment to the Cork region.
History
Cork Educate Together Secondary School opened its doors for the first year in 2024, marking the inaugural establishment of an Educate Together secondary school outside the Greater Dublin area. The school represents a significant, long‑awaited development in Cork’s educational landscape, with the Department of Education acquiring a substantial site within the Frankfield‑to‑Rochestown catchment for phased construction in the coming years.
Applying to Cork Educate Together Secondary School
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 Cork Educate Together Secondary School. 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 Cork Educate Together Secondary School
How many pupils attend Cork Educate Together Secondary School?
Cork Educate Together Secondary School has 403 pupils enrolled, 188 girls and 215 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Cork Educate Together Secondary School a DEIS school?
No. Cork Educate Together Secondary School 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 Cork Educate Together Secondary School?
Cork Educate Together Secondary School has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.