Crana College
Buncrana, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 585 about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 304 girls, 281 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 71140Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Crana College is a post‑primary institution operating under the Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB). As one of the fifteen secondary schools managed by the ETB, it delivers a holistic, quality learning environment that prepares students for further or higher education and equips them with the skills needed for immediate entry into the workplace. The curriculum follows the national structure of a three‑year Junior Cycle followed by a two‑ or three‑year Senior Cycle, with the optional Transition Year providing a broadening experience. In the senior phase, pupils can pursue the traditional Leaving Certificate, the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) or the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCAP), ensuring a range of pathways to suit diverse aspirations. The college benefits from the wider ETB network, giving learners access to specialist programmes such as outdoor education at the Gartan Outdoor Education Centre and the Donegal Music Education Programme, both of which enhance personal development and community engagement. A strong ethos of active citizenship underpins school life, fostering collaborative relationships, respect for cultural heritage and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Applying to Crana College
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 Crana College. 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 Crana College
How many pupils attend Crana College?
Crana College has 585 pupils enrolled, 304 girls and 281 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Crana College a DEIS school?
Yes. Crana College 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 Crana College?
Crana College has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.