St Francis College
Cork
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 730 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 62460K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Francis College, Rochestown is a Capuchin‑run secondary school that blends a strong Catholic ethos with a modern, holistic curriculum. The college aims to nurture a community of pupils, parents, staff and management where academic, spiritual, social and moral development are equally valued. Teaching is grounded in sound educational principles that promote the harmonious growth of the whole person, encouraging respect for the dignity of each individual, simplicity of lifestyle, love for the poor, and a commitment to peace and equality. The school offers a broad range of subjects across the Junior and Senior cycles, complemented by extra‑curricular activities that foster creativity, teamwork and leadership. Facilities support both academic and personal development, providing spaces for worship, sport, music and the arts. The college’s philosophy stresses student‑centred learning, encouraging critical thinking, cultural appreciation and responsible citizenship, all within an atmosphere of disciplined freedom and active participation in the wider Church and community.
History
St. Francis College traces its origins to the Capuchin friary at Rochestown, which originally served as a training centre for young Capuchins and housed the “Seraphic School”. In 1886 the school was formally transferred to the Rochestown foundation, becoming a centre for boys intending to join the Order. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries the college expanded, adding facilities to meet growing enrolments. The novitiate returned to the friary in 1917, and the college continued to operate alongside it. Following the introduction of free education in 1966, enrolments surged, prompting the college in 1970 to physically take over additional friary space. Despite fluctuations in vocations, the institution has maintained its dual focus on academic excellence and the formation of future members of the Capuchin Franciscan tradition.
Applying to St Francis 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 Francis 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 Francis College
How many pupils attend St Francis College?
St Francis College has 730 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is St Francis College a DEIS school?
No. St Francis 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 St Francis College?
St Francis College has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' post-primary school.