Stanhope Street Girls Secondary School
Stoneybatter, Dublin
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 283 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 267 girls, 16 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 60843Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Stanhope Secondary School is situated in the historic Stoneybatter district of Dublin 7, occupying its own private grounds accessed from Manor Street. The campus is bordered by the River Liffey to the south and the expansive Phoenix Park to the west and north, providing a unique urban oasis for outdoor learning, cross‑country running and recreational activities. The school offers a full secondary curriculum, including Junior Cycle, Transition Year, the Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied, and places a strong emphasis on cultural development through sport, drama and music programmes. The ethos of the school is rooted in Christian values and the inclusive philosophy of its founding Sisters of Charity, aiming to nurture the holistic development of each pupil. A warm, caring atmosphere underpins a learning environment that seeks to equip students with the academic, social and personal skills required for confident, responsible participation in society. While historically a girls’ school, Stanhope now admits both girls and boys into first year, maintaining a focus on empowering young people to become independent and resilient members of the community.
History
The school’s origins trace back to 1815 when a Novitiate House for the Irish Sisters of Charity was founded by Mary Aikenhead. Over time the institution evolved into Stanhope Secondary School, governed by a Board of Management with the Religious Sisters of Charity as trustees. The school continues to uphold its founder’s inclusive philosophy and open admissions policy.
Applying to Stanhope Street Girls 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 Stanhope Street Girls 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 Stanhope Street Girls Secondary School
How many pupils attend Stanhope Street Girls Secondary School?
Stanhope Street Girls Secondary School has 283 pupils enrolled, 267 girls and 16 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Stanhope Street Girls Secondary School a DEIS school?
Yes. Stanhope Street Girls Secondary School is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Stanhope Street Girls Secondary School?
Stanhope Street Girls Secondary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.