Killina Presentation Secondary School
Tullamore, Offaly
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 759 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 411 girls, 348 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 65630B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Killina Presentation Secondary School is a co‑educational, voluntary secondary school situated in Rahan, Tullamore, County Offaly, operating under the trusteeship of Ceist. The school describes itself as an inclusive Christian community that prioritises the holistic development of each pupil, offering a balanced programme of academic, personal and spiritual growth. Curriculum provision covers the Junior Cycle, the Leaving Certificate, the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and a Transition Year, with dedicated pathways for students with special educational needs through a specialised SEN department and a well‑stocked Resource Centre. The campus has been expanded over several decades and now includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, ICT suites and facilities for practical subjects such as agriculture and home economics, reflecting its historic roots as an agricultural school. A broad range of extra‑curricular activities, sports and clubs are available, supporting the school’s aim to develop well‑rounded individuals prepared for further education and community life.
History
Before the Presentation Sisters arrived, the Rahan area hosted numerous hedge schools operating in makeshift sheds. In 1817, Miss Maria O’Brien funded a purpose‑built school at Killina and invited the Presentation Sisters from Dublin to run it. The original schoolroom measured 18 ft × 22 ft and enrolled over one hundred children on its first day. An 1832 grant enabled a modest extension, and during the famine the school taught lace‑making to support families. The “secondary top” began in 1948, offering free Leaving and Intermediate Certificate exams. New school buildings were erected in 1965 (at the request of Fr Kyne) and the institution achieved full secondary status in 1977, followed by further expansions. A model agricultural school operated locally at the turn of the last century. Additional schools were built in Mucklagh (1951) and Rahan (1986); the Island school closed in 1972, with pupils transported to Rahan and Killina. In 2007 a commemorative plaque marked the 180th anniversary of Maria O’Brien’s death.
Applying to Killina Presentation 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 Killina Presentation 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 Killina Presentation Secondary School
How many pupils attend Killina Presentation Secondary School?
Killina Presentation Secondary School has 759 pupils enrolled, 411 girls and 348 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Killina Presentation Secondary School a DEIS school?
No. Killina Presentation 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 Killina Presentation Secondary School?
Killina Presentation Secondary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.