St. Mary's Secondary School
Charleville, Cork
Key facts
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 322 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 62450H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St Mary’s Secondary School, Charleville, delivers a holistic Catholic education that nurtures academic rigour alongside creative, emotional, spiritual and physical development. The school’s student‑centred ethos places a strong emphasis on wellbeing, encouraging pupils to voice their opinions and take active part in a respectful, inclusive community. A broad curriculum is complemented by a vibrant co‑curricular programme, including STEAM projects, enterprise initiatives, sports, music and leadership opportunities such as Rotary Youth Leadership and LCVP, fostering confidence and citizenship. State‑of‑the‑art digital facilities underpin the learning environment. As a Google for Education Reference School, St Mary’s has been recognised for digital empowerment and equips every classroom with SMART interactive boards, providing seamless access to collaborative resources. Regular educational trips – for example to Fota Wildlife Park, Flowtech, Kilmainham Gaol and Glasnevin Cemetery – enrich the curriculum and broaden students’ horizons. The school’s commitment to a safe, caring atmosphere is reflected in its focus on holistic development and strong community partnerships.
History
St Mary’s Secondary School was founded in 1838 by Catherine McAuley and operates under the guidance of CEIST, upholding a Catholic ethos rooted in compassion and service. Over nearly two centuries the school has grown into a modern secondary institution while preserving its heritage of mercy, education for the poor, and dedication to holistic development of each learner.
Applying to St. Mary's Secondary School
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. Mary's Secondary School. 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. Mary's Secondary School
How many pupils attend St. Mary's Secondary School?
St. Mary's Secondary School has 322 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is St. Mary's Secondary School a DEIS school?
No. St. Mary's Secondary School 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. Mary's Secondary School?
St. Mary's Secondary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' post-primary school.