St Brendan's College
Woodbrook, Wicklow
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 623 about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 271 girls, 352 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 61790D the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Woodbrook College, formerly St Brendan’s, is a voluntary secondary school situated on the Dublin Road in Bray, serving the North Wicklow and South Dublin community. The college operates under the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, embracing a Catholic ethos that prioritises nurturing faith, Christian spirituality and a caring school community. Its educational approach is built around five key elements – faith and spirituality, partnership, excellence in teaching and learning, a supportive community, and transformational leadership – and aims to develop the whole person spiritually, morally, intellectually, physically and socially. The college offers a broad‑based curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of its students and society, complemented by an extensive programme of extra‑curricular activities in the arts, sport and other interests. Recent development plans include new accommodation that will raise the enrolment capacity to around 750 pupils and the provision of two dedicated classes for students with autism, reflecting a commitment to inclusive education and modern facilities. Woodbrook College promotes a safe, disciplined and inclusive environment where respect, tolerance and responsibility are core values. It works closely with parents, the Board of Management and the wider community, fostering partnerships that support student wellbeing and lifelong learning.
History
Founded in 1956 as St Brendan’s, the school opened with 46 pupils in Walcot House on Old Connaught Avenue under Principal Brother J.C. O’Flynn. Over the next 14 years the school outgrew its premises, leading to the construction of a purpose‑built building on the Dublin Road, completed in December 1970, which expanded capacity to 300 students. The last Christian Brother Principal, Br E.M. Tallon, retired in 1990, after which lay leadership was introduced. In 2016 the institution was renamed Woodbrook College to reflect its evolving vision. Ongoing development includes new accommodation slated to increase the student body to 750 and the establishment of two specialised autism classes, underscoring its dynamic growth and community role.
Applying to St Brendan's 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 St Brendan's 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 St Brendan's College
How many pupils attend St Brendan's College?
St Brendan's College has 623 pupils enrolled, 271 girls and 352 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is St Brendan's College a DEIS school?
Yes. St Brendan's 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 St Brendan's College?
St Brendan's College has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.