Presentation Secondary School
Mitchelstown, Cork
Key facts
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 342 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 62421A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Presentation Secondary School is a voluntary Catholic secondary school for girls situated in Mitchelstown, operating under the trusteeship of CEIST. The school’s ethos, encapsulated in the motto *Ad Vitam Paramus* (“We are preparing for life”), guides a holistic educational approach that balances academic rigour with spiritual, moral and personal development. The curriculum spans the Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle, including Leaving Certificate Applied, and is complemented by a strong emphasis on religious education, digital strategy, and sustainability initiatives. The campus provides a range of facilities to support a vibrant co‑curricular programme. Over the years the school has added a playing pitch, basketball courts and several building extensions, creating spaces for sport, music, visual arts and science projects such as the BT Young Scientist competition. Student support structures include pastoral care, guidance and counselling, and a child‑centred learning programme that nurtures confidence and life‑skills. Strong community links with parents, clergy and local organisations further enrich the learning environment, fostering a caring and cooperative community where each girl can thrive.
History
The school traces its origins to 14 June 1853 when three Presentation Sisters arrived from Doneraile at the invitation of Rev. Morgan O’Brien, the local parish priest. The convent opened its doors on 4 July 1853, enrolling 637 children of all ages. A new primary school building began in 1909, and in 1934 a Secondary Top was established to offer education to the Intermediate Certificate level. Extensions in 1954 and a change of status in 1966 transformed the institution into a Voluntary Secondary School under the Department of Education’s Secondary Branch. Subsequent developments added a playing pitch, basketball courts and further extensions. In February 2008 the school’s trusteeship transferred to CEIST, continuing the legacy of Nano Nagle’s educational philosophy.
Applying to 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 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 Presentation Secondary School
How many pupils attend Presentation Secondary School?
Presentation Secondary School has 342 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Presentation Secondary School a DEIS school?
No. 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 Presentation Secondary School?
Presentation Secondary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' post-primary school.