About Us | Carrignafoy Community College

Introduction to Carrignafoy Community College

Cork Education and Training Board is the patron of Carrignafoy Community College. Carrignafoy Community College is a state, co-educational, multi-denominational school underpinned by the core values of:

• Excellence in Education;

• Care;

• Equality;

• Community;

• Respect.

Carrignafoy Community College opened on its current site in 1979, but has been part of a long tradition of education provision in Cobh dating back to 1905. In 1930 the Cobh Technical Instruction Committee was absorbed into the County Cork Vocational Education Committee. Significant growth in numbers and provision over the years led ultimately to the opening of the current building, and as a fully-functional community college under the auspices of the Cork Education and Training Board and offering the full range of subject and programme choice, further growth and an extension of the school building is anticipated in the coming years.

About Our School

Students at Carrignafoy Community College follow the Junior Cycle curriculum for their initial three years. Transition Year (Fourth Year) is optional, and the school offers the traditional Leaving Certificate programme, the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) and the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA). Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes are also provided as required. We aim for academic excellence but also seek to develop each student’s intellectual and physical potential. We hope each student leaves our school capable of taking their place in the world and in society with an outlook that is emotionally, socially and intellectually developed.

We have also developed strong links with the local community over the years, and our students enjoy multiple benefits as a result of these links.

Carrignafoy Community College can offer support to its students through the School Completion Programme and our Home School Liaison Co-ordinator, along with the various academic and pastoral supports available.

Principal’s Message

Welcome to Carrignafoy Community College.

As Principal, I am very proud to lead a school that places care, respect, equality, community, and excellence in education at the heart of everything we do. As a DEIS school within Cork ETB, we are deeply committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and ambitious learning environment where every student is valued and encouraged to achieve their full potential.

We are a school that welcomes all students and recognises that every young person’s journey is different. Some students thrive academically from the day they enter, while others may need additional support, encouragement, or time to build confidence in themselves and their abilities. In our school, every student matters equally. We strive to ensure that each young person is supported, challenged, and given the opportunity to succeed in a way that reflects their individual strengths and needs.

We believe education is about much more than examinations and results. While we continue to work hard to raise academic standards and create strong pathways for future success, we are equally focused on developing kind, respectful, resilient, and confident young people who will make a positive contribution to their communities.

Our staff of teachers, SNA’s and ancillary staff work tirelessly to provide a caring and supportive atmosphere where students feel safe, respected, and encouraged to participate fully in school life. We are proud of the strong relationships that exist between students, staff, parents, and the wider community, and we recognise the importance of working together to help our young people flourish.

Our school is entering an exciting period of growth and development, and we are ambitious for the future. Above all, we want our students to feel proud of their school, proud of themselves, and confident in their ability to succeed.

I invite you to come and experience the sense of the warmth, opportunity, and community spirit that exists within our school, and I look forward to welcoming you to our school community.

Eimear Nolan

Príomhoide /Principal