High Cross College
Currylea, Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 777 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 749 girls, 28 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 68466G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
High Cross College is a voluntary Catholic co‑educational secondary school operating under the trusteeship of Ceist and drawing inspiration from the Mercy and Presentation traditions of education. The college’s ethos centres on highly effective teaching and learning within an inclusive, compassionate community that values respect for the individual, the school environment and the wider world. Its mission statement highlights a commitment to academic excellence, personal development and the nurturing of a caring, supportive atmosphere for all pupils. The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum that includes a dedicated Transition Year programme, Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) options and a strong emphasis on STEM subjects, exemplified by events such as the “STEMulate Your Mind” showcase. Extracurricular provision is extensive, with successful participation in cross‑country, national mathematics competitions and a vibrant student‑leadership structure encompassing prefects, music and sports councils. Modern facilities, well‑equipped classrooms and specialist labs support the college’s focus on innovative learning, while clear enrolment processes and a comprehensive academic calendar ensure smooth progression for students from entry through to graduation.
Applying to High Cross 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 High Cross 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 High Cross College
How many pupils attend High Cross College?
High Cross College has 777 pupils enrolled, 749 girls and 28 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is High Cross College a DEIS school?
No. High Cross College 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 High Cross College?
High Cross College has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.