The story of Deele College begins on March 29th, 1965 when it was established as Raphoe Vocational School.
The school was designed to meet the practical and academic needs of the East Donegal community. The goal was to offer a vocational path focusing on practical, technical, and commercial skills to ensure that the young people of the area were equipped for the evolving workforce. From the outset, the school established a reputation for being a “community school” in the truest sense- accessible, down-to-earth, and deeply connected to the families of Raphoe and its surrounding area.
Deele College Campus - May 2024
The school originally stood on a modest two-acre site, primarily consisting of a main building that served as the hub for local vocational training. In those early years, the atmosphere was defined by its small-school feel, where teachers and students from the surrounding townlands formed a tight-knit, industrious community. During its first decade, the school quickly outgrew its original footprint. By the early 1970s, it began to transition from a purely vocational center into a more comprehensive second-level college. This growth necessitated a major expansion.
In 1985, a significant seven-acre extension was added to the site. This development allowed the school to diversify its curriculum, moving beyond traditional trades to include a full range of academic subjects, eventually leading to its renaming as Deele College.This period saw a significant investment in facilities and a broadening of the academic offerings. While maintaining its strength in practical subjects like Woodwork and Engineering, the college introduced a wider array of academic disciplines and senior cycle options, including the Leaving Certificate Applied and the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme. This era solidified Deele College’s position as a center of educational excellence that could cater to all types of learners.
Now, Deele College stands as a modern, vibrant campus that honors its roots while looking firmly toward the future. It has grown from a modest local school into a driving force for student success, known for its sporting achievements, academic success, showcasing local talent and its leadership in digital innovation. Under the guidance of Donegal ETB, the college continues to expand, recently undergoing significant building developments to provide state-of-the-art facilities for its students. After over fifty years, Deele College remains a cornerstone of Raphoe, continuing to empower generations of Donegal students to achieve their full potential.