Scoil Mhuire gan Smal
Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 1,124 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 522 girls, 602 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 62090D the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Mhuire gan Smál is a Catholic voluntary secondary school in Blarney that embraces a holistic, progressive and inclusive ethos. The school seeks to nurture the spiritual, physical, social, intellectual and emotional development of each pupil, providing a secure, stimulating environment where Christian values are woven into everyday life. A strong emphasis is placed on academic achievement alongside a caring pastoral framework, ensuring that every student – regardless of ability, background or gender – can fulfil their potential. The campus features state‑of‑the‑art, inspiring spaces: bright, thoughtfully designed classrooms, well‑equipped science and IT laboratories, dedicated arts studios and outdoor areas that support both creativity and well‑being. A vibrant sporting tradition and a wide range of extra‑curricular activities, including participation in the CanSat competition and an optional Transition Year, further enrich the student experience and prepare learners for higher education, employment or entrepreneurship.
History
Scoil Mhuire gan Smál was founded in 1952 as a Catholic voluntary secondary school and is now under the trusteeship of the Diocese of Cloyne. Over the decades the school has built a rich heritage of academic excellence, pastoral care and community involvement, continually adapting its curriculum and facilities to meet the evolving needs of its students.
Applying to Scoil Mhuire gan Smal
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 Scoil Mhuire gan Smal's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Scoil Mhuire gan Smal. 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 Scoil Mhuire gan Smal
How many pupils attend Scoil Mhuire gan Smal?
Scoil Mhuire gan Smal has 1,124 pupils enrolled, 522 girls and 602 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Scoil Mhuire gan Smal a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Mhuire gan Smal 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 Scoil Mhuire gan Smal?
Scoil Mhuire gan Smal has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.