Ard Ri Community National School
Navan, Meath
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 384 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 195 girls, 189 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20352T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ard Rí Community National School is a vibrant primary school that embraces the philosophy that “happy children learn”. The school provides a balanced programme that nurtures academic, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development throughout the school day. Learning takes place in an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, with a strong emphasis on community involvement and the cultural heritage of the Boyne Valley. Pupils benefit from a range of facilities, including dedicated classrooms for each class level, a resource‑rich learning support area, and access to outdoor spaces on the Navan Rugby Club grounds, which support both play and experiential learning. The school’s ethos is underpinned by the four cornerstones of Community National Schools – excellence in education, community partnership, holistic development and a commitment to lifelong learning. Extra‑curricular activities such as the annual Winter Show, summer camps and regular visits to local historic sites like the Hill of Tara enrich the curriculum and foster a sense of belonging. Ard Rí aims to create a welcoming atmosphere where every child feels valued and motivated to thrive.
History
The Community National School model was established in 2008, and Ard Rí Community National School opened its doors in September 2010 under the patronage of Meath VEC with just seven Junior Infants. By September 2016 the roll had grown to 188 children, and the school now enrols pupils up to Fifth Class. Ard Rí is temporarily situated on the Navan Rugby Club grounds at Balreask Old, with plans to relocate to a permanent site in the Navan area. The school’s name, “Ard Rí”, means “High King” in Irish, reflecting its location in the heart of the Boyne Valley near the River Boyne and the historic Hill of Tara, which are incorporated into the school’s heritage education.
Applying to Ard Ri Community National School
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Ard Ri Community National School. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Ard Ri Community National School
How many pupils attend Ard Ri Community National School?
Ard Ri Community National School has 384 pupils enrolled, 195 girls and 189 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ard Ri Community National School a DEIS school?
No. Ard Ri Community National School is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Ard Ri Community National School?
Ard Ri Community National School has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed primary school.