Rice College
Ennis, Clare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 666 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 236 girls, 430 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 61910K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Rice College is a Catholic secondary school in Ennis that aims to develop the spiritual, intellectual, creative and emotional potential of each pupil. The ethos is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the vision of Blessed Edmund Rice, with a strong emphasis on Gospel values, respect for the dignity of every individual and a commitment to community service. The school cultivates an atmosphere of Christian care, encouraging students to grow in faith while achieving academic excellence across a broad curriculum that includes the sciences, humanities and the arts. The college benefits from a range of facilities that support a holistic education. Modern science laboratories were added in the 1960s, and recent extensions (1986 and 2007) have expanded learning spaces and specialist rooms. A dedicated kindergarten and primary provision reflect the school’s historic commitment to educating younger children, while a vibrant extracurricular programme promotes sport, music, and cultural activities. Together, these elements create a supportive environment where pupils can mature socially, morally and physically, preparing them for further study and active participation in society.
History
In 1826 Bishop McMahon invited Brother Ignatius Rice to establish a school for the poor boys of Ennis. The first classes began in January 1827 in an old corn store, serving about 400 pupils. A new two‑storey building opened on New Road in 1832, followed by a monastery in 1869. The present secondary school was completed in 1937, with science laboratories added in 1963. The primary school was renovated in 1956 and a kindergarten erected in 1969. Celebrations in 1977 marked 150 years of the Christian Brothers’ presence in Ennis. Extensions to the college were opened in 1986 and 2007. A board of management was established in 1990, leading to the appointment of lay principals and modernising the college for the twenty‑first century.
Applying to Rice 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
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Rice College. 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 Rice College
How many pupils attend Rice College?
Rice College has 666 pupils enrolled, 236 girls and 430 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Rice College a DEIS school?
No. Rice College 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 Rice College?
Rice College has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.