St Peter's College
Meath
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 1,214 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 599 girls, 615 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 71950F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St Peter’s College is a co‑educational post‑primary college situated in Dunboyne, County Meath, serving a vibrant community of over 1 200 pupils. The school places a strong emphasis on academic excellence, encouraging independent learning and problem‑solving skills that prepare students for higher education and the workplace. A comprehensive pastoral support system underpins the learning environment, fostering a welcoming atmosphere where every student can thrive. Beyond the classroom, St Peter’s offers a broad range of sporting and cultural opportunities. Pupils compete successfully at local, regional and national levels in football, soccer, hurling, basketball, equestrianism, gymnastics, cricket, water polo and more. The college also boasts a lively arts programme, including annual school musicals, debating societies, environmental projects and fundraising initiatives, reflecting a commitment to holistic development. State‑of‑the‑art facilities support both academic and extracurricular pursuits, with dedicated spaces for science, technology, arts and sport. The college’s ethos, rooted in its mission and vision statements, promotes confidence, inclusivity, respect for diversity and Christian values, while nurturing tolerance, care and a positive outlook on life.
History
The initiative to provide a post‑primary school in Dunboyne began in September 1992 when the Parent Teacher Association of Dunboyne National Schools convened a public meeting to assess local demand. After negotiations between the County Meath VEC and the Bishop of Meath resolved early controversies over management and trusteeship, St Peter’s College opened its doors in September 1994 with an enrolment of seventy‑five first‑year students. The college has since grown to an approximate enrolment of 1 150 pupils.
Applying to St Peter's 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
View St Peter's College's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to St Peter's College. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Peter's College
How many pupils attend St Peter's College?
St Peter's College has 1,214 pupils enrolled, 599 girls and 615 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is St Peter's College a DEIS school?
No. St Peter's 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 Peter's College?
St Peter's College has an Inter Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.