St Brendans Monastery
Birr, Offaly
Key facts
- DEIS
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 178 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 12370C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Brendan’s Community School is a co‑educational secondary school situated in Cappaneale, Birr, County Offaly. Its stated aim is to create a caring community of learning where every pupil is valued as a unique individual. The school combines a strong academic programme with a broad range of co‑curricular and extra‑curricular activities, encouraging well‑rounded development. A focus on wellbeing underpins the ethos, with dedicated resources such as a Wellbeing Action Plan, restorative practice initiatives and the Amber Flag programme to promote a safe, inclusive environment. The curriculum is delivered through a “Teaching and Learning Approach” that aligns with the Irish Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate frameworks, while also integrating modern pedagogical methods. Facilities support this approach, including specialised classrooms, ICT resources, and spaces for sports and creative arts. The school also offers a Student Social Fund, a Prefect system, and a vibrant Student Voice platform, allowing pupils to take an active role in school life and community projects such as the Meitheal and the Killuan Bog environmental programme. Community involvement is a cornerstone of St Brendan’s, reflected in its “Schools of Belonging” initiative and strong links with local families, alumni and the wider South Offaly and North Tipperary area. Regular communication through newsletters, a school app and social media keeps stakeholders informed of achievements, events and opportunities, reinforcing the school’s commitment to academic excellence, personal growth and social responsibility.
History
The school marked 43 years of service to pupils in South Offaly and North Tipperary, indicating it was established in the early 1980s. Over the decades it has built a reputation for high academic standards and a tradition of fostering well‑rounded, balanced students.
Applying to St Brendans Monastery
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 primary school dates apply broadly to St Brendans Monastery. 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: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 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 Brendans Monastery
How many pupils attend St Brendans Monastery?
St Brendans Monastery has 178 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Brendans Monastery a DEIS school?
Yes. St Brendans Monastery 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 Brendans Monastery?
St Brendans Monastery has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.