Finn Valley College
Stranorlar, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 424 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 200 girls, 224 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 71240U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Finn Valley College is a dynamic, inclusive DEIS secondary school situated in the heart of Donegal. It aims to empower every learner through a quality, learner‑centred education that blends strong community values with a supportive environment where students can thrive. The college offers a broad curriculum that spans Junior Cycle, Transition Year, Senior Cycle and a range of Post‑Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and inclusion. A dedicated wellbeing team provides weekly wellbeing messages and a Positive Behaviour Initiative to promote a positive school culture. The school operates from a state‑of‑the‑art campus opened in 2011, providing modern classrooms, specialist science and technology facilities, and spaces for extracurricular activities. Resources are designed to support both academic and personal development, with robust home‑school liaison services, leadership opportunities for students and a focus on holistic development that prepares pupils for further education and life beyond school.
History
Stranorlar Vocational School opened its doors in September 1940 (the building was erected in 1939) on the site of Drumboe Castle, using rubble from the demolished castle for the first floor of the main block. The inaugural enrolment comprised roughly 24 boys and 30 girls under Principal Louis Emerson. Over the decades, successive principals, including Eddie Mc Devitt, Brian Mc Dermott and Frank Dooley, oversaw steady growth, with numbers peaking at over 350. A new, modern school building was completed and opened in September 2011. Leadership continued under Alan Thompson until December 2023, after which Séan Mc Fadden assumed the principalship.
Applying to Finn Valley 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 Finn Valley 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 Finn Valley College
How many pupils attend Finn Valley College?
Finn Valley College has 424 pupils enrolled, 200 girls and 224 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Finn Valley College a DEIS school?
Yes. Finn Valley 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 Finn Valley College?
Finn Valley College has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.