Gogginshill National School
Ballinhassig, Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 227 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 127 girls, 100 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 12263B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Goggins Hill National School is a mainstream, co‑educational primary school under the Catholic patronage of the Diocese of Cork and Ross, situated in the parish of Ballinhassig. The school’s mission places the child at the centre of a supportive learning environment, aiming to nurture intellectual, spiritual, emotional, physical and personal development. A strong emphasis is placed on fostering self‑esteem, respecting differences and promoting values of truth, justice, peace and love, all informed by its Catholic ethos. The school currently educates 228 pupils across nine mainstream classes and two dedicated ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) classes, supported by a team of fifteen full‑time teachers, eight special‑needs assistants and additional support staff. Facilities include a modern classroom block, a mature woodland area and a multi‑sensory garden, providing varied outdoor learning spaces. Extra‑curricular programmes such as STEM projects, Green School initiatives, active‑school sports, and well‑being activities reflect a holistic approach to education and community engagement. A new building project is underway, signalling continued investment in the school’s infrastructure and future growth.
History
For at least 150 years children have received primary education on Goggins Hill, originally taught in the loft of a coach house beside the church. The first purpose‑built National School opened in 1883, comprising two separate schoolhouses for boys and girls, later re‑configured for junior and senior pupils. In the early 1960s a prefabricated two‑teacher school was erected after a successful community campaign, with the first pupils moving in in 1967. Further prefabricated rooms were added throughout the 1970s, and in 1975 a ballot rejected a central school proposal. Construction of a permanent five‑classroom building began in 1981; the school moved into the new premises on 1 September 1983, coinciding with the centenary of the original 1883 school, and the official opening was performed by Minister of State Donal Creed on 17 November 1983. Enrolment grew to 191 by 1986, and the grounds now feature a mature woodland area and a multi‑sensory garden.
Applying to Gogginshill 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 Gogginshill 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 Gogginshill National School
How many pupils attend Gogginshill National School?
Gogginshill National School has 227 pupils enrolled, 127 girls and 100 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gogginshill National School a DEIS school?
No. Gogginshill 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 Gogginshill National School?
Gogginshill National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.