Cranford National School
Letterkenny, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 48 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 29 girls, 19 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19009W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Cranford National School is a small, community‑focused primary school situated in the heart of Cranford, Letterkenny, on the shores of Mulroy Bay. With an enrolment of 48 pupils (25 boys and 23 girls) the school offers a close‑knit environment where each child receives personalised attention. The school operates under a Catholic ethos, under the patronage of the Bishop of Raphoe, while recognising and respecting children of all religious backgrounds. Its educational philosophy aims to provide a well‑ordered, caring, happy and secure atmosphere that nurtures the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural development of every pupil. The teaching team consists of three classroom teachers supported by a shared Special Educational Needs (SET) team and a School Nursing Assistant (SNA), reflecting a commitment to inclusive education and the provision of additional support where required. The school places strong emphasis on the professional development of staff, active parental involvement, and the promotion of gender equality among both teachers and pupils. Facilities are centred around a modern classroom setting that supports a broad curriculum, and the scenic location by Mulroy Bay offers opportunities for outdoor learning and community engagement.
History
Cranford National School was built in 1965 to accommodate the amalgamation of two local schools – the Catholic school in Coole and a mixed school under Protestant management. Since its establishment, the school has continued to serve the Cranford community, maintaining its dual heritage while operating under Catholic patronage.
Applying to Cranford 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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Cranford 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 Cranford National School
How many pupils attend Cranford National School?
Cranford National School has 48 pupils enrolled, 29 girls and 19 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Cranford National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Cranford National 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 Cranford National School?
Cranford National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.