Secondary school

Blakestown Community School

Blanchardstown, Dublin

Key facts

  • DEIS
  • Mixed
Pupils enrolled
563 about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
Girls and boys
298 girls, 265 boys
Ethos
Inter Denominational
Teaching through Irish
No subjects taught through Irish
Roll number
91316Q the Department of Education reference for this school

School details

Address
Sheepmoor Avenue, Blanchardstown
Location
Blanchardstown, Dublin
School type
Secondary
Latest inspection reports
View on gov.ie

Location

About

Blakestown Community School is a community‑based, progressive, co‑educational secondary school situated in the heart of Dublin 15. As a member of the Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools, it delivers a multi‑denominational, inclusive education that places the student at the centre of learning. The school’s curriculum is broad and forward‑looking, offering traditional subjects alongside newer pathways such as Graphics, Computer Science, Horticulture and Digital Media Literacy, and it provides a robust sports and cultural programme for the whole school community. The school places a strong emphasis on the integration of technology, supplying digital devices to all learners so that no pupil is disadvantaged by lack of equipment. Its educational philosophy is values‑driven and holistic, promoting critical thinking, citizenship, environmental and digital responsibility, and the development of intellectual, creative, physical and social talents. A collaborative, democratic ethos underpins teaching and assessment practices, with formative assessment as the norm and a clear focus on student voice, choice and pathways to further education, apprenticeships or higher education.

History

For over 40 years Blakestown Community School has served the local community, providing education, care and support to generations of families. The school continues to evolve, building on its longstanding tradition of community involvement and progressive teaching.

Applying to Blakestown Community 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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to Blakestown Community 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: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 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 Blakestown Community School

How many pupils attend Blakestown Community School?

Blakestown Community School has 563 pupils enrolled, 298 girls and 265 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.

Is Blakestown Community School a DEIS school?

Yes. Blakestown Community School is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.

What is the ethos of Blakestown Community School?

Blakestown Community School has an Inter Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.