Secondary school

Swords Community College

Dublin

Watercolour illustration of the Swords Community College building, Swords and Dublin Airport
Illustration of Swords Community College.

Key facts

  • Mixed
Pupils enrolled
952 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
Girls and boys
406 girls, 546 boys
Ethos
Multi Denominational
Teaching through Irish
No subjects taught through Irish
Roll number
76475D the Department of Education reference for this school

School details

Address
Broadmeadows, RATHBEALE ROAD
Location
Dublin
School type
Secondary
Latest inspection reports
View on gov.ie

Location

About

Swords Community College is a post‑primary, co‑educational institution serving Swords, County Dublin and the surrounding townlands. Operating under the patronage of the Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board, the college is multi‑denominational and welcomes learners of all backgrounds. Established in 2018 to meet the growing demand for secondary education in the area, the school occupies a modern campus on Rathbeale Road. Its “Tradigital” ethos blends cutting‑edge digital technology with proven traditional teaching methods, ensuring that classrooms are well‑resourced with interactive whiteboards, laptops and other learning tools that support 21st‑century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and self‑directed learning. The college places a strong emphasis on an inclusive, student‑centred environment. Its vision rests on the pillars of Teamwork, Respect and Excellence, fostering a community where learners are encouraged to take ownership of their education, explore their interests and develop confidence, character and personal growth. A wide range of extra‑curricular and co‑curricular activities, including sports, arts, and community projects, provide opportunities for students to engage fully with school life and develop talents beyond the academic curriculum. Facilities at Swords Community College include a purpose‑built, contemporary building designed to inspire creativity and innovation. The school offers specialised spaces such as science labs, a well‑equipped canteen, and dedicated areas for sports and the arts. These resources, combined with a passionate teaching staff, support the college’s commitment to delivering high‑quality, inclusive education for all students.

History

Swords Community College was established in 2018 as a new, vibrant community college to respond to the increasing population in the wider Swords area. It is situated on a newly built campus off Rathbeale Road and operates under the patronage of the Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board.

Applying to Swords Community 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 Swords Community 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 Swords Community 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 Swords Community College

How many pupils attend Swords Community College?

Swords Community College has 952 pupils enrolled, 406 girls and 546 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.

Is Swords Community College a DEIS school?

No. Swords Community 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 Swords Community College?

Swords Community College has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.