Patrician High School
Monaghan
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 453 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 64750G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Patrician High School is a long‑standing second‑level institution serving the South Monaghan, Meath, Louth and Cavan catchment area. Rooted in strong Christian values, the school promotes a vibrant, progressive, caring and inclusive community where pupils are encouraged to develop both academically and personally. The curriculum is broad, encompassing traditional academic subjects alongside modern vocational options such as Woodwork, Modern Studies and Technology, reflecting the school’s commitment to preparing students for a rapidly changing world. The campus benefits from a state‑of‑the‑art building opened in 2007, providing contemporary classrooms, specialist workshops and well‑equipped learning spaces that enhance teaching and learning. Extra‑curricular provision is extensive, with a focus on sport, evidenced by multiple Ulster football titles, and a range of clubs and activities that foster personal growth. Parents and carers can stay informed through the Compass mobile app, which offers real‑time access to student progress and school information.
History
Patrician High School was founded at the turn of the 20th century to provide secondary education for the sons of Catholic families in the Carrickmacross area. The Patrician Brothers were invited by Dean Birmingham, who offered his own house, now known as the Old Monastery, as the initial premises, beginning with a single classroom and a backyard space for eight pupils. Since its modest origins, the school has relocated twice to accommodate growing enrolments, maintaining a steadfast focus on academic excellence. Recent decades have seen the introduction of new courses in Woodwork, Modern Studies and Technology, and the opening of a brand‑new, purpose‑built facility in 2007, which has become a cornerstone of the school’s modern educational provision.
Applying to Patrician High 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 Patrician High 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 Patrician High School
How many pupils attend Patrician High School?
Patrician High School has 453 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Patrician High School a DEIS school?
No. Patrician High 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 Patrician High School?
Patrician High School has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' post-primary school.