Killinarden Community School
Tallaght, Dublin
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 471 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 221 girls, 250 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 91337B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Killinarden Community School (KCS) is a co‑educational, multi‑denominational post‑primary institution that serves the local community with a progressive ethos. Established in 1982, the school operates under the joint trusteeship of the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB) and the Archdiocese, with a Board of Management that includes representatives of the trustees, parents and teaching staff. This collaborative governance model underpins a learning environment where good relationships are encouraged and every individual feels valued. The school’s educational approach centres on a climate of mutual respect, a high‑quality curriculum and realistic expectations for all learners. Strong partnerships between home, school and the wider community are promoted, recognising that parental involvement is key to student success. Attendance is actively encouraged, with certificates and rewards for pupils who maintain good records. Uniform standards, including a navy jumper, grey skirt, light‑blue shirt and distinct tie colours for junior and senior students, foster a sense of belonging, while a compulsory tracksuit is worn for physical education. A typical school day runs from 8.40 am to 3.50 pm (with a shortened Wednesday schedule), incorporating a morning break and a one‑hour lunch period. Physical education is compulsory, with a specific PE uniform of a plain white T‑shirt, navy tracksuit bottoms or shorts and trainers. These structures, together with a focus on academic excellence and community spirit, define the everyday experience at KCS.
History
Since opening in 1982, Killinarden Community School has developed into a highly regarded and progressive co‑educational and multi‑denominational post‑primary school.
Applying to Killinarden Community 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 Killinarden Community 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 Killinarden Community School
How many pupils attend Killinarden Community School?
Killinarden Community School has 471 pupils enrolled, 221 girls and 250 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Killinarden Community School a DEIS school?
Yes. Killinarden Community School 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 Killinarden Community School?
Killinarden Community School has an Inter Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.