St. Brogan's College Bandon
Bandon, Cork
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 905 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 450 girls, 455 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 70910L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Brogan’s College is a mixed, non‑denominational post‑primary institution that welcomes boys and girls of all ages and abilities from a wide catchment area across West Cork. The college delivers a progressive, inclusive education rooted in its mission to be a happy, safe and caring community where every learner is supported to reach their full potential. A broad curriculum spanning the Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle is complemented by a strong tradition of sporting excellence and a diverse programme of extra‑curricular activities, ensuring students gain both academic knowledge and valuable life experiences. The campus features modern facilities that have been continually upgraded: a state‑of‑the‑art P.E. Hall, refurbished library, well‑equipped practical rooms for science and technology, and contemporary IT suites. Recent enhancements also include specialised rooms for typing, commerce, engineering and a dedicated special‑needs classroom (Rang Iosaif). These resources, together with a commitment to pastoral care and community involvement, provide a supportive environment for personal growth, academic achievement and active participation in school life.
History
The origins of St. Brogan’s College date back to 1901 when the Rural District Council for Bandon initiated technical education in the area. Classes began in 1902 in the Auction Mart, moving to North Main Street by 1906 with an enrolment of 81 pupils. Following the establishment of the Irish Free State, the school became a vocational institution under the County Vocational Education Committee and was renamed Bandon Vocational School in 1922. A purpose‑built school opened on Kilbrogan Hill in 1934, catering for 60 co‑educational students. Expansion continued with new rooms for typing, commerce and engineering in 1964 and the introduction of Intermediate and Leaving Certificate programmes in 1968. In 1980 a new state‑of‑the‑art campus was opened on the present site and the school was renamed St. Brogan’s College as enrolment exceeded 500. Further developments in the 1990s and 2000s added a P.E. Hall, library and IT upgrades, and introduced programmes such as the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, School Completion Programme and Leaving Certificate Applied. The college has been led by successive principals, with the current principal appointed in 2012.
Applying to St. Brogan's College Bandon
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. Brogan's College Bandon. 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. Brogan's College Bandon
How many pupils attend St. Brogan's College Bandon?
St. Brogan's College Bandon has 905 pupils enrolled, 450 girls and 455 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is St. Brogan's College Bandon a DEIS school?
Yes. St. Brogan's College Bandon 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. Brogan's College Bandon?
St. Brogan's College Bandon has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.