Cork University Hos School
Wilton, Cork
Key facts
- Special school
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 17 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 8 girls, 9 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20119N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Cork University Hospital School is a specialised two‑teacher department of Education & Skills that delivers primary and secondary curriculum provision to children receiving medical care in Cork University Hospital. The school operates from 8.50 am to 2.30 pm on the Puffin Ward and offers a vibrant, inviting classroom where learning is personalised, challenging and enjoyable. For pupils unable to attend the classroom, teachers provide bedside teaching, ensuring continuity of education regardless of medical circumstances. The educational approach centres on high‑quality learning combined with a strong emphasis on the well‑being of each student. Planning is carried out in partnership with the pupil’s home‑school, families, caregivers and the hospital’s multidisciplinary team, minimising disruption and supporting academic progress. The school follows the national Primary and Secondary curricula, fostering self‑esteem, resilience and a child‑centred, compassionate learning environment.
History
Cork University Hospital School was officially opened in September 2000 by Micheál Martin, then Minister for Health. It was established as a Department of Education & Skills school under the patronage of the CEO of Cork University Hospital and is situated on the hospital’s Puffin Ward. The school was led by its inaugural principal, Gobnait Curran, from its opening until October 2020, after which the leadership transitioned to the current principal.
Applying to Cork University Hos 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 primary school dates apply broadly to Cork University Hos 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: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 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 University Hos School
How many pupils attend Cork University Hos School?
Cork University Hos School has 17 pupils enrolled, 8 girls and 9 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Cork University Hos School a DEIS school?
No. Cork University Hos 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 University Hos School?
Cork University Hos School has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed primary school.