St Brendan's College
School Details
Location
About
Woodbrook College, formerly St Brendan’s, is a voluntary secondary school situated on the Dublin Road in Bray, serving the North Wicklow and South Dublin community. The college operates under the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, embracing a Catholic ethos that prioritises nurturing faith, Christian spirituality and a caring school community. Its educational approach is built around five key elements – faith and spirituality, partnership, excellence in teaching and learning, a supportive community, and transformational leadership – and aims to develop the whole person spiritually, morally, intellectually, physically and socially. The college offers a broad‑based curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of its students and society, complemented by an extensive programme of extra‑curricular activities in the arts, sport and other interests. Recent development plans include new accommodation that will raise the enrolment capacity to around 750 pupils and the provision of two dedicated classes for students with autism, reflecting a commitment to inclusive education and modern facilities. Woodbrook College promotes a safe, disciplined and inclusive environment where respect, tolerance and responsibility are core values. It works closely with parents, the Board of Management and the wider community, fostering partnerships that support student wellbeing and lifelong learning.
History
Founded in 1956 as St Brendan’s, the school opened with 46 pupils in Walcot House on Old Connaught Avenue under Principal Brother J.C. O’Flynn. Over the next 14 years the school outgrew its premises, leading to the construction of a purpose‑built building on the Dublin Road, completed in December 1970, which expanded capacity to 300 students. The last Christian Brother Principal, Br E.M. Tallon, retired in 1990, after which lay leadership was introduced. In 2016 the institution was renamed Woodbrook College to reflect its evolving vision. Ongoing development includes new accommodation slated to increase the student body to 750 and the establishment of two specialised autism classes, underscoring its dynamic growth and community role.