Stratford College
Rathgar, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 189 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 83 girls, 106 boys
- Ethos
- Jewish
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 61020A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Stratford College is a co‑educational, fee‑paying secondary school situated in the heart of Rathgar, Dublin 6. It welcomes students of all faiths and none, offering a multi‑denominational environment that encourages respect and open‑mindedness. The school’s intimate campus provides modern classrooms, specialist rooms for drama, film and theatre studies, a well‑equipped science laboratory, and dedicated spaces for music and visual arts. A strong emphasis on student wellbeing is evident through programmes such as the “Own it – Move to Feel Better” exercise initiative, a breakfast club for early starters, and regular wellbeing blogs. The educational approach is progressive and student‑centred, aiming to combine academic rigour with personal development. Learners are supported through a mentor system, orientation days and a structured transition programme that eases the move into Junior Cycle. Extracurricular opportunities are extensive, ranging from a successful chess team and participation in the Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition to drama, film, theatre, and a Holocaust education programme funded by national bodies. Regular events, including an annual Open Day, awards ceremonies and visits from public figures, foster a vibrant community spirit.
History
Stratford College traces its origins to 1954, when it was founded by the Dublin Jewish community. Over the decades it has evolved into a multi‑denominational secondary school while retaining a commitment to inclusivity, cultural awareness and academic excellence.
Applying to Stratford 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 Stratford 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 Stratford College
How many pupils attend Stratford College?
Stratford College has 189 pupils enrolled, 83 girls and 106 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Stratford College a DEIS school?
No. Stratford 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 Stratford College?
Stratford College has a Jewish ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.