Tarbert Comprehensive School
Listowel, Kerry
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 546 about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 269 girls, 277 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 81006S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Tarbert Comprehensive School is a co‑educational post‑primary institution situated on a 12‑acre site overlooking the Shannon Estuary in North Kerry. The school embraces a comprehensive ethos of inclusivity, welcoming pupils of all abilities, backgrounds and religious denominations. Its educational philosophy centres on mutual respect, a strong work ethic and the development of lifelong learners who are adaptable to a rapidly changing world. The curriculum is broad, offering a wide range of academic subjects alongside extensive technical rooms, modern science laboratories, well‑equipped computer suites and a performance stage, all of which support both curricular and extracurricular activities. The school places a strong emphasis on the holistic development of its students, reflected in its motto “Mens sana in corpore sano” – a healthy mind in a healthy body. Recent initiatives include the provision of free schoolbooks for all learners, a new AstroTurf project funded by grants, and EU‑backed digital learning investments that have upgraded ICT hardware and software. Additional support services such as after‑school study sessions, a proactive parents’ association and robust special‑needs provision further enhance the learning environment.
History
Established in September 1973, Tarbert Comprehensive School was created through the merger of St Ita’s (Tarbert), Mr Dore’s (Glin) and Glin Vocational School to serve the parishes of Loughill/Ballyhahill, Moyvane, Glin, Athea, Lenamore/Ballylongford and Tarbert. The school opened with 280 pupils, 18 teachers, two caretakers and a secretary. Since then enrolment has consistently exceeded 500 students, prompting two major building extensions that added technical rooms, science labs, computer facilities and a stage. Despite demographic declines in its immediate catchment, the school has continued to grow by attracting students from the wider North Kerry region. Its guiding ethos remains one of inclusivity and equality, symbolised by a lighthouse crest and the motto “Mens sana in corpore sano”.
Applying to Tarbert Comprehensive 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
View Tarbert Comprehensive School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Tarbert Comprehensive School. 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 Tarbert Comprehensive School
How many pupils attend Tarbert Comprehensive School?
Tarbert Comprehensive School has 546 pupils enrolled, 269 girls and 277 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Tarbert Comprehensive School a DEIS school?
No. Tarbert Comprehensive School 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 Tarbert Comprehensive School?
Tarbert Comprehensive School has an Inter Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.