Portlaoise College
Portlaoise, Laois
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 1,005 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 509 girls, 496 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 71510A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Portlaoise College is a co‑educational secondary school situated just minutes from the centre of Portlaoise, catering for more than 900 students across the Junior and Leaving Certificate cycles. The college prides itself on delivering progressive, high‑quality programmes with a strong emphasis on the sciences, technology, sports and information and communication technology. Innovation underpins the curriculum, ensuring that learners engage with contemporary methodologies and develop the skills required for further education and the modern workplace. The school offers a comprehensive suite of subjects at both junior and senior levels, complemented by a wide array of extra‑curricular activities that make full use of its modern facilities, including well‑equipped science laboratories, ICT suites, and extensive sports amenities. A collaborative partnership with parents and guardians is central to the college’s ethos, fostering a supportive environment where each pupil can achieve their full potential academically, socially and personally.
Applying to Portlaoise 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
View Portlaoise College's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Portlaoise College. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Portlaoise College
How many pupils attend Portlaoise College?
Portlaoise College has 1,005 pupils enrolled, 509 girls and 496 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Portlaoise College a DEIS school?
Yes. Portlaoise College 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 Portlaoise College?
Portlaoise College has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.