St Pauls College
Raheny, Dublin
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 650 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 60290B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Paul’s College is a non‑fee‑paying Catholic Voluntary Secondary School for boys, operating under the trusteeship of the Vincentian Fathers. The college delivers the Irish junior, transition and senior cycles within a balanced, broad‑based curriculum that integrates academic rigour with cultural, sporting and musical opportunities. A strong pastoral care programme underpins the school’s inclusive ethos, ensuring that the dignity and individuality of every student – including those with special educational needs – are respected and supported. The college benefits from a major refurbishment programme that began in 2014, funded jointly by the Department of Education, the Parents’ Association and the Board of Management. Modernised classrooms, specialist facilities for science, technology and the arts, and extensive sports amenities provide a contemporary learning environment. Extra‑curricular provision is extensive, featuring a yearly musical, a competitive school choir, a wide‑ranging sports programme, and overseas and domestic school tours. Community engagement is a core value, exemplified by long‑standing projects such as the Summer Mission to Ambo, Ethiopia, reflecting the Vincentian commitment to service.
History
St Paul’s College was founded in 1950 as a Catholic Voluntary Secondary School for boys. The Board of Management was established in 1988, and the college has since operated under the trusteeship of the Vincentian Fathers, adhering to the educational philosophy of St Vincent de Paul. Ongoing development, including a major refurbishment of facilities commenced in 2014, demonstrates the school’s commitment to providing modern, inclusive education.
Applying to St Pauls 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 Pauls 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 Pauls College
How many pupils attend St Pauls College?
St Pauls College has 650 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is St Pauls College a DEIS school?
No. St Pauls 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 Pauls College?
St Pauls College has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' post-primary school.
Illustration based on a photo by Dwmalone. Photo and adapted illustration: CC BY-SA 4.0.