The Royal And Prior School
Lifford, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 609 about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 316 girls, 293 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 81011L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
The Royal and Prior Comprehensive School is a co‑educational day and boarding institution situated just outside Raphoe, County Donegal. Rooted in a Christian ethos, the school provides a supportive and respectful environment where pupils are encouraged to reach their full academic potential. Education is delivered over a six‑year programme encompassing the Junior Certificate, a well‑structured Transition Year and Leaving Certificate courses, with a broad and balanced curriculum that includes specialist subjects such as Animation, Coding, Agricultural Science and Modern Foreign Languages. Recent investment has enhanced the campus with three new science laboratories, dedicated art and construction rooms and a state‑of‑the‑art gymnasium, offering modern facilities for both academic and co‑curricular pursuits. The school places a strong emphasis on inclusive education; a dedicated AEN department delivers personalised learning plans, specialist support for students with autism spectrum disorder and a range of assistive technologies. Comprehensive induction, peer‑mentoring and a taster programme help new entrants transition smoothly, while a vibrant student leadership framework and extensive sporting, creative and technological activities enrich the overall school experience.
History
The Royal and Prior Comprehensive School traces its origins to a royal charter granted by King James I in 1608, intended to educate the children of Ulster Plantation settlers across several counties. After a decade of preparation, the school opened in Donegal Town under Rev Bryan Morrison, later relocating to Raphoe in 1661. The Royal School House, erected in 1737 through the generosity of Bishop Nicholas Foster, became a central feature of the campus, housing a diocesan library and an infirmary. In 1971 the school merged with The Prior School of Lifford (founded 1880), forming the present Royal and Prior Comprehensive School. Over the past four centuries the institution has grown to a roll of approximately 600 pupils, with boarding accommodation for 39 boarders, and continues to fulfil its founding aim of providing education for youth in learning.
Applying to The Royal And Prior 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 The Royal And Prior 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 The Royal And Prior School
How many pupils attend The Royal And Prior School?
The Royal And Prior School has 609 pupils enrolled, 316 girls and 293 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is The Royal And Prior School a DEIS school?
Yes. The Royal And Prior 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 The Royal And Prior School?
The Royal And Prior School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.