Athy Model School
Athy, Kildare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 90 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 40 girls, 50 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 06209J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Athy Model School is a co‑educational primary institution situated on the Athy Educational Campus in Tomard, Athy, Co. Kildare. It provides full primary provision from Junior Infants through to 6th class within a modern, purpose‑built facility that has been in use since August 2011. The school benefits from high‑speed broadband connectivity through the Department of Education’s School Broadband Programme, supporting the integration of digital resources into the Revised Curriculum. The school operates under the patronage of the Department of Education with a Church of Ireland ethos, promoting moral values, respect for cultural and religious diversity, and active community involvement. Its educational approach emphasises a safe, happy environment where each child is nurtured, valued and encouraged to develop holistically, fostering skills such as honesty, responsibility and tolerance. Strong partnerships with parents and the wider community are encouraged to enhance learning and personal development.
History
The Athy Model School originated as part of the 19th‑century model school system, with the district model school planned in 1848 and the Tudor‑Gothic building erected in 1850. Officially opened on 12 August 1852, it initially accommodated separate boys’, girls’ and infant sections, as well as an agricultural school with extensive land. The school grew rapidly, reaching a peak enrolment of 582 pupils in 1858. After various changes, including the closure of the agricultural school in 1880 and the relocation of the Garda Síochána in the 1970s, the historic building was destroyed by fire in March 2010. Pupils were temporarily housed at Athy College before moving to the current purpose‑built campus in September 2011, where the school now shares facilities with neighbouring secondary and primary schools.
Applying to Athy Model 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 Athy Model 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 Athy Model School
How many pupils attend Athy Model School?
Athy Model School has 90 pupils enrolled, 40 girls and 50 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Athy Model School a DEIS school?
No. Athy Model 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 Athy Model School?
Athy Model School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed primary school.