"Our aim is to create the best school in which to teach, learn, work and play."

Carndonagh Community School aims to provide an enriching environment for the academic, moral, spiritual and social education of its students and nurture the growth and development of all these students. The school ethos is Christian and each individual is respected regardless of religious persuasion and is guaranteed access to the educational facilities at the school. The Principal and the Board of Management encourage the active participation of parents and the local community.

In aspiring to achieve our Mission Statement, we recognise the responsibilities of the school community to respect the entitlement of all to a learning, teaching and working environment where the dignity of each person is recognised.

Pupils enrol in accordance with our Enrolment and Admissions Policy, Code of Behaviour and all policies approved by the Board of Management. C.C.S. promotes an inclusive ethos where the academic, social and personal development of each child is encouraged within the resources available to the school. Each pupil will be encouraged to reach their potential in a safe environment of shared respect where the rights and responsibilities of all are acknowledged The school rules reflect this spirit of respect.

Respect is the cornerstone of all our relationships. If parents, pupils, teachers, clerical & ancillary staff and school management engage with each other on the basis of respect, we will all be contributing to achieving our aspiration to create the best school in which to teach, learn, work and play. Everyone can earn respect, everyone can teach respect.

Carndonagh Community School has approved the Child Protection Guidelines.

We at Carndonagh Community School believe in the Power of Education.

“Even in the midst of our worst struggles, our forefathers knew that
part of our advancement and growth began with a sound education.”

”Education makes a people easy to lead but impossible to drive,
easy to govern but impossible to enslave.”

Principal: Mr. Paul Fiorentini
Deputy Principals: Mr. John McGuinness; Mr. Owen McConway
Chairperson of the Board of Management: Mrs. Mary O'Kane

The school is managed under a Deed of Trust which recognises the partnership of parents, teachers and trustees. The Board of Management reflects the school community:

2 Parents Nominees; 2 Teacher Nominees; 3 Trustee Nominees; 3 V.E.C. Nominees.

In 1973 Carndonagh College ( based in the Colgan Hall ), The Convent of Mercy Secondary School ( based in the Convent opposite the Hospital and which now belongs to the Health Board ) and the Vocational School ( whose buildings known as Unit 4 still form part of the Community School Campus ) amalgamated to form Carndonagh Community School. The new school had to cater for 840 pupils from North, East and Central Inishowen. As the new building for CCS was not completed on time, students remained in the three schools for the first year of operation and moved between the buildings to attend classes. The school is managed by a Board of Management representing the partnership of patrons, staff, parents and community.

The now familiar logo and school crest was inspired by the Carndonagh Celtic Cross of St. Patrick which stands immediately outside the grounds.

In 1974 the new main building was opened. The first Principal was Fr. Kevin McKenna who was formerly a teacher and principal in Carndonagh College. The first vice-principal was Mr. Jim A. McDonagh who had been principal in the Vocational school. Amongst the staff of the new school was Fr. Francis Lagan later to become Auxiliary Bishop of Derry. In 1991 Fr. McKenna was succeeded as principal by Mr. Brian Mullins. The current principal Mr. Paul Fiorentini who had attended Carndonagh College and Carndonagh Community School as a pupil, and later served as a teacher in CCS, succeeded Mr. Mullins in 2000.

The initial pupil population of 840 grew steadily over the years to a peak of over 1600 pupils. This necessitated an ongoing programme of building in the 1980s and 1990s. The 13 classroom block named Unit 5 was completed in 1980. The purchase of the former Parochial House and grounds allowed the campus to be consolidated with the building of the Maths Building ( 10 rooms ) and refurbishment of the former stables ( 4 rooms ) in 1990. In 1995 the Technology Block was completed providing modern facilities for Science, Art, Technology, Home Economics, I.T. and Languages. Dynamic fundraising contributed to the construction of the school´s Assembly Hall, officially opened by An tUachtarán Máire Mhic Giolla Íos and consequently christened ` The ARÁS`. In 2001 the school refurbished its entire Woodwork, Metalwork and Home Economic facilities to meet the demands of new syllabii.

In the last 9 years the school has experienced a decline in pupil numbers due to the opening of an additional school in the catchment area. This has created challenges and opportunities. The availability of surplus rooms afforded the Board the opportunity to provide for facilities that were hitherto unavailable due to space constraints. The transformation of a former technology room into a well equipped Library with I.T. facilities for pupils was achieved in 2002. Leabharlann Mhic Cionnaith was named in honour of former principal Fr. Kevin who officially opened the Library. The Board of Management has continued with development plans, completing Phase I of the Sports Development Project - Gaelic Pitch and All-Weather Pitch in 2004 and Phase II in 2007 - Athletics Track and Soccer Pitch.

Throughout its years, Carndonagh Community School has offered opportunity of education to the children of Inishowen. It is our intention to continue to respond to the needs of our pupils. The support of parents over the years has enabled us to advance many projects. In the last eight years the school has moved from 107 staff to currently 70 staff and from 1530 pupils to 900. The School offers a full Programme with open enrolment catering for all abilities and backgrounds- Junior Cert. Schools Programme, Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, Transition Year, Post Leaving Certificate.