St Columba's Comprehensive School

Glenties, Co. Donegal

400 studentsMixedDEISComprehensive schoolTY optional

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Applying for September 2027

We haven't found this school's dates for September 2027 entry yet. Schools usually hold open nights from September and open applications from October; the admission notice on the school's website has the exact window.

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Students this year

400 students: 198 girls and 202 boys, by year group. Department of Education, 2025/26.

1st year
71
2nd year
70
3rd year
64
TY
47
5th year
72
6th year
76

Transition Year: 47 students are in Transition Year, fewer than in 3rd year (64). That usually means TY is optional here.

What it costs

Tuition fees
None. The school is in the free education scheme.
Schoolbooks
Free in every year, including TY, under the free schoolbooks scheme.

We haven't found this school's voluntary contribution or device policy yet. What secondary school costs, and the schemes that help

At a glance

St Columba's Comprehensive School is a comprehensive school in Glenties, Co. Donegal (Eircode F94 C421). St Columba's Comprehensive School has 400 students: 202 boys and 198 girls, according to the Department of Education's 2025/26 figures.

Type
Comprehensive school
Boys and girls
Mixed · 202 boys, 198 girls
Fees
Free education scheme, no tuition fees
Ethos
Inter-denominational
Patron
Minister for Education
Language
English-medium
Day or boarding
Day school
DEIS
Yes, part of the DEIS programme
Roll number
81010J

Inspection reports for this school from the Department of Education, on gov.ie

Explained: what DEIS means · types of school · how to choose

Questions parents ask

Where is St Columba's Comprehensive School?
St Columba's Comprehensive School is a comprehensive school in Glenties, Co. Donegal (Eircode F94 C421).
How many students go to St Columba's Comprehensive School?
St Columba's Comprehensive School has 400 students: 202 boys and 198 girls, according to the Department of Education's 2025/26 figures.
Who is the principal of St Columba's Comprehensive School?
Brendan O'Mahony is the principal of St Columba's Comprehensive School, according to the Department of Education's 2025/26 schools list.
Is St Columba's Comprehensive School a mixed school?
Yes. St Columba's Comprehensive School takes both boys and girls.
Is St Columba's Comprehensive School fee-paying?
No. St Columba's Comprehensive School is in the free education scheme, so there are no tuition fees. Like most schools it may ask for a voluntary contribution, which can't be compulsory.
What is the ethos of St Columba's Comprehensive School?
St Columba's Comprehensive School has a Inter-denominational ethos. Its patron is Minister for Education.
Does St Columba's Comprehensive School teach through Irish?
No. St Columba's Comprehensive School teaches through English, with Irish taught as a subject.
Does St Columba's Comprehensive School have Transition Year?
47 students are in Transition Year, fewer than in 3rd year (64). That usually means TY is optional here.
Is St Columba's Comprehensive School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Columba's Comprehensive School is part of the DEIS programme, which gives extra support to schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage.
Where can I read St Columba's Comprehensive School's inspection reports?
The Department of Education publishes school inspection reports on gov.ie. Search there by St Columba's Comprehensive School's roll number, 81010J, or use the link on this page.
What other secondary schools are near St Columba's Comprehensive School?
The closest is Gairm Scoil Chú Uladh. The table on this page compares the nearest schools by distance, size, type and fees.

See also: DEIS secondary schools in Co. Donegal · Multi-denominational secondary schools in Co. Donegal · Every school in Co. Donegal

Closest secondary schools

St Columba's Comprehensive School compared with other schools in the area
SchoolDistanceStudentsBoys and girlsTypeFeesIrish-mediumDEIS
St Columba's Comprehensive SchoolThis school 400 Mixed Comprehensive school Free No Yes
Gairm Scoil Chú UladhLeifear 17.2 km 87 Mixed Community college (ETB) Free Yes Yes
Rosses Community SchoolDungloe 17.2 km 509 Mixed Community school Free No Yes
Abbey Vocational SchoolDonegal Town 20.2 km 999 Mixed Community college (ETB) Free No No
St. Catherine's Vocational SchoolKillybegs 20.3 km 359 Mixed Community college (ETB) Free No Yes
Gairmscoil Mhic DiarmadaÁrainn Mhór 24.5 km 61 Mixed Community college (ETB) Free Stream Yes
Coláiste na CarraigeCarrick 27.5 km 210 Mixed Community college (ETB) Free No Yes

Straight-line distances. Compare with the two closest · See more schools near here.

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Contact

Glenties
Co Donegal
F94C421

Primary schools nearby

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Next school holidays

  • In 9 daysOctober mid-term breakMon, 26 October to Fri 30 October 2026
  • In 10 weeksChristmas holidaysWed 23 December 2026 to Tue 5 January 2027
  • In 17 weeksFebruary mid-term breakMon, 15 February to Fri 19 February 2027

These dates are set for every secondary school in Ireland. Check with St Columba's Comprehensive School for any extra days off and the last day in June. Get reminders · All term dates · Add to Google Calendar