It has approximately 900 students, and is the largest school run by the Donegal Education and Training Board.

Like most schools now operated by the VEC, the AVS has moved away from a strongly vocational syllabus towards a more general curriculum including modern languages and sciences.

The school also has extensive sport facilities including grass pitches, tennis/basketball courts, gymnasium and athletic track.

However, it was not until 1953 that free secondary education was made available with the establishment of the Technical School (Irish: An Cheard Scoil; known locally as the 'Tech') which was located on the Killybegs road, close to the town centre.

The motto also features as part of the crest, which also includes the proclamation 'Chum Gloiré Dé agus Onóra na hÉireann' (English: 'For the Glory of God and Honour of Ireland').