Loreto Secondary School
Cork
Key facts
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 729 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 62270F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Loreto Secondary School is a co‑educational post‑primary institution situated in the historic town of Fermoy, County Cork. Rooted in the Loreto tradition, the school’s ethos is guided by five core values – Truth, Justice, Joy, Freedom and Sincerity – which shape a holistic educational experience that balances academic rigour with personal development and community responsibility. The school operates a structured academic calendar for the 2025/2026 year and will begin accepting new applications from 1 October 2025. An Open Night is scheduled for Thursday 16 October 2025, providing prospective families with the opportunity to explore the campus and meet staff. Loreto Fermoy utilises modern digital tools such as the Tyro learning platform and Microsoft 365 to support teaching and learning, and maintains an active presence on social media (Instagram and X). A dedicated Facilities page indicates the provision of resources and spaces designed to enhance both curricular and extracurricular activities.
History
A school for girls in Fermoy was founded by the Loreto Sisters in 1853, catering from the start for both junior and senior pupils, as well as boarders and day pupils. The original building was extended several times over the years. In 1967 the secondary school joined the Free Education Scheme, and on 13th August 1969 the Department of Education's scheme to rationalise girls' secondary schools in the town saw Loreto Secondary School designated the area's Voluntary Secondary School for girls. Rising enrolment led to a 37-room extension opening in 1980. The boarding school closed in 1993, and the former dormitory accommodation was converted into classrooms, a Prayer Room and other specialist rooms. A further extension, providing Science, Technology and Pastoral Care accommodation, was completed in 2003. A new Basketball Court and Sports Hall were added in 2004, and the old All Weather Pitch was later upgraded to Astroturf in 2009.
Applying to Loreto 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 Loreto 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 Loreto Secondary School
How many pupils attend Loreto Secondary School?
Loreto Secondary School has 729 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Loreto Secondary School a DEIS school?
No. Loreto 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 Loreto Secondary School?
Loreto Secondary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' post-primary school.