St.Brendan's Community School

Birr, Co. Offaly

875 studentsMixedDEISCommunity 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.

We check school websites every week and add dates as soon as they're published. Visit the school's website.

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Students this year

875 students: 461 girls and 414 boys, by year group. Department of Education, 2025/26.

1st year
160
2nd year
147
3rd year
175
TY
126
5th year
139
6th year
128

Transition Year: 126 students are in Transition Year, fewer than in 3rd year (175). 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.Brendan's Community School is a community school in Birr, Co. Offaly (Eircode R42 KN92). St.Brendan's Community School has 875 students: 414 boys and 461 girls, according to the Department of Education's 2025/26 figures.

Type
Community school
Boys and girls
Mixed · 414 boys, 461 girls
Fees
Free education scheme, no tuition fees
Ethos
Inter-denominational
Patron
Laois & Offaly ETB Presentation Brothers
Language
English-medium
Day or boarding
Day school
DEIS
Yes, part of the DEIS programme
Roll number
91491L

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.Brendan's Community School?
St.Brendan's Community School is a community school in Birr, Co. Offaly (Eircode R42 KN92).
How many students go to St.Brendan's Community School?
St.Brendan's Community School has 875 students: 414 boys and 461 girls, according to the Department of Education's 2025/26 figures.
Who is the principal of St.Brendan's Community School?
John Kennedy is the principal of St.Brendan's Community School, according to the Department of Education's 2025/26 schools list.
Is St.Brendan's Community School a mixed school?
Yes. St.Brendan's Community School takes both boys and girls.
Is St.Brendan's Community School fee-paying?
No. St.Brendan's Community 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.Brendan's Community School?
St.Brendan's Community School has a Inter-denominational ethos. Its patron is Laois & Offaly ETB Presentation Brothers.
Does St.Brendan's Community School teach through Irish?
No. St.Brendan's Community School teaches through English, with Irish taught as a subject.
Does St.Brendan's Community School have Transition Year?
126 students are in Transition Year, fewer than in 3rd year (175). That usually means TY is optional here.
Is St.Brendan's Community School a DEIS school?
Yes. St.Brendan's Community 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.Brendan's Community School's inspection reports?
The Department of Education publishes school inspection reports on gov.ie. Search there by St.Brendan's Community School's roll number, 91491L, or use the link on this page.
What other secondary schools are near St.Brendan's Community School?
The closest is Banagher College. The table on this page compares the nearest schools by distance, size, type and fees.

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

Closest secondary schools

St.Brendan's Community School compared with other schools in the area
SchoolDistanceStudentsBoys and girlsTypeFeesNext dateIrish-mediumDEIS
St.Brendan's Community SchoolThis school 875 Mixed Community school Free None found yet No Yes
Banagher CollegeBanagher 10.2 km 556 Mixed Community college (ETB) Free None found yet No No
Coláiste Naomh CormacKilcormac 15.5 km 316 Mixed Community college (ETB) Free Applications close, Fri, 23 Oct No No
Cistercian CollegeRoscrea 16.4 km 255 Boys Secondary Fee‑paying None found yet No No
Borrisokane Community CollegeBorrisokane 17.7 km 723 Mixed Community college (ETB) Free Applications close, Thu, 5 Nov No No
Colaiste Phobáil Ros CréRoscrea 18.8 km 594 Mixed Community college (ETB) Free None found yet No Yes
Gallen Community SchoolFerbane 19.2 km 441 Mixed Community school Free None found yet No No

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

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Contact

Birr
Co Offaly
R42KN92

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.Brendan's Community School for any extra days off and the last day in June. Get reminders · All term dates · Add to Google Calendar