Holy Family Junior School Waterford
Waterford
Key facts
- DEIS
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 234 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18509O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Holy Family Junior National School is a vibrant, co‑educational primary school serving the Jnr Infants to 2nd Class (ages 4‑7) in Waterford. The school is part of the Mercy Primary Schools network, which follows the ethos of the Sisters of Mercy, placing a strong emphasis on holistic development, compassion and community involvement. The curriculum is delivered in line with the Irish Primary School Curriculum, with a particular focus on fostering curiosity, critical thinking and a love of learning through interactive, child‑centred teaching methods. Emphasis is placed on the development of the whole child – academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually – with a supportive environment that encourages respect, responsibility and a sense of belonging. The school boasts well‑maintained, modern facilities including spacious classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards, a dedicated play area, a library corner and a multi‑purpose hall for sports and assemblies. Outdoor spaces provide safe areas for physical activity and exploration, supporting the school’s commitment to health and wellbeing. Extra‑curricular programmes such as music, art, Gaelic games and environmental projects enrich the pupil experience, while regular community events and partnerships with local organisations reinforce the school’s role as a hub for families in the Waterford area.
Applying to Holy Family Junior School Waterford
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 Holy Family Junior School Waterford. 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 Holy Family Junior School Waterford
How many pupils attend Holy Family Junior School Waterford?
Holy Family Junior School Waterford has 234 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Holy Family Junior School Waterford a DEIS school?
Yes. Holy Family Junior School Waterford 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 Holy Family Junior School Waterford?
Holy Family Junior School Waterford has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' primary school.