St. Mary's Secondary School
New Ross, Wexford
Key facts
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 706 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 63620L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St Mary’s Secondary School, New Ross is an inclusive, co‑educational secondary school that welcomes students of all abilities and backgrounds. The school’s ethos centres on fostering respect, empathy and a commitment to community, encouraging pupils to value differences and to contribute positively to society. A broad curriculum spanning the Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle is delivered across well‑equipped specialist rooms for science, home economics, art, music, drama and technology, complemented by a modern library and extensive pastoral‑care facilities. The campus combines historic buildings with contemporary extensions, including an international‑size sports hall, a dedicated administration suite, and a commemorative garden created for the school’s 150th anniversary. These facilities support a vibrant cultural life, with strong programmes in sport, drama and music, and provide a safe, welcoming environment where students can develop academically, socially and spiritually.
History
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1856 as St Mary’s Academy for Young Ladies, the school began with a small day‑school offering a range of subjects from English to needlework. It entered the national examination system in 1917 and expanded to include a boarding school in 1926. Relocations in 1945 and 1968 accommodated growing enrolments, and the introduction of free secondary education in 1967 spurred further expansion. Over the decades the school added specialist science, art and music rooms, a sports hall (1993), and modern administrative and pastoral facilities. In 2006 the school celebrated its 150th anniversary with a commemorative garden, and governance was transferred to the CEIST trust, which continues to uphold its Catholic, values‑based education.
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 706 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger 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.