Terence Mac Swiney Community College
Knocknaheeny, Cork
Key facts
- DEIS
- Some Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 302 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 157 girls, 145 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- Some pupils taught some subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 71123Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Terence MacSwiney Community College is a co‑educational second‑level institution situated on an expansive 11‑acre campus in Hollyhill, Knocknaheeny, Cork. Since its opening in March 1980, the college has been dedicated to the memory of the Cork‑born playwright and politician Terence MacSwiney, and it strives to provide a caring, inclusive environment that promotes collaborative learning and strong community partnerships. The college offers a comprehensive curriculum covering Junior Certificate, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Applied and the traditional Leaving Certificate programmes. It delivers the Junior Certificate Schools Programme (JCSP) and places a strong emphasis on the integration of information and communications technology, supported by a partnership with a local multinational technology company that supplies CPD and tablet‑based learning resources. The school’s facilities support a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities, reflecting its commitment to both personal and social development of learners. A 2017 Whole‑School Evaluation by the Department of Education and Skills awarded the college an outstanding report, highlighting exemplary leadership, excellent support structures, high‑quality teaching and learning, and very effective DEIS action‑planning. These strengths underpin the college’s mission to foster learning, nurture students and prepare them for further education and life beyond school.
History
Terence MacSwiney Community College opened in March 1980 on an 11‑acre site at Hollyhill. The college was dedicated to the memory of Terence MacSwiney, the Cork‑born playwright, author and Sinn Féin Lord Mayor elected during the Irish War of Independence. Since its inception the college has expanded its provision to include a full range of Junior and Leaving Certificate subjects, as well as specialised programmes such as the Junior Certificate Schools Programme, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Applied and the traditional Leaving Certificate.
Applying to Terence Mac Swiney 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
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Terence Mac Swiney Community 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 Terence Mac Swiney Community College
How many pupils attend Terence Mac Swiney Community College?
Terence Mac Swiney Community College has 302 pupils enrolled, 157 girls and 145 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Terence Mac Swiney Community College a DEIS school?
Yes. Terence Mac Swiney Community College 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.
Does Terence Mac Swiney Community College teach through Irish?
Partly. Terence Mac Swiney Community College teaches some subjects through Irish.