Ashbourne Community National School
Ashbourne, Meath
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 342 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 162 girls, 180 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20546J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ashbourne Community National School is a state‑funded, multi‑denominational primary school operating under the patronage of the Louth Meath Education and Training Board. As a co‑educational Community National School it delivers the Irish Primary Curriculum alongside a distinctive “Goodness Me Goodness You” (GMGY) programme that weaves together personal storytelling, community identity, reflective thinking and belief education. The school’s ethos is built on the core values of respect, inclusion and equality, celebrating the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity of its pupils and families. The learning environment is described as safe, happy, stimulating and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on holistic development. Children are supported to grow academically, socially, morally, emotionally, spiritually and creatively through a partnership model that involves teachers, parents and the wider community. Contemporary, best‑practice teaching methods are employed to foster a love of learning, resilience and self‑esteem, while approaches such as Glasser’s Caring Habits and restorative practice underpin the school’s caring culture. Facilities are purpose‑built and well‑resourced, reflecting the rapid development since the school’s opening. The campus provides dedicated spaces for a broad range of subjects, including English, Gaeilge, maths, science, physical education and SPHE, and supports extracurricular and community activities that reinforce the school’s commitment to collaborative, innovative education.
History
Ashbourne Community National School opened its doors in September 2019 with approximately 90 pupils enrolled from Junior Infants to 6th Class. At the time it was recognised as one of the most rapidly developing newly established schools in the country. The school’s establishment was driven by a dedicated group of parents and educational professionals, supported by the generous patronage of the LMETB, resulting in a well‑resourced institution that quickly achieved high standards of teaching and learning.
Applying to Ashbourne 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 Ashbourne 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 Ashbourne Community National School
How many pupils attend Ashbourne Community National School?
Ashbourne Community National School has 342 pupils enrolled, 162 girls and 180 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ashbourne Community National School a DEIS school?
No. Ashbourne 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 Ashbourne Community National School?
Ashbourne Community National School has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed primary school.