Holy Family S S
Cavan
Key facts
- Special school
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 182 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 45 girls, 137 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19439B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
The Holy Family Special School is a national special school serving children aged four to eighteen from the Cavan and Monaghan catchment area. It provides education for pupils with severe or profound learning disabilities, moderate or multiple learning disabilities, and for autistic learners who also have additional learning needs. Operated under the Rules of National Schools, the school is multi‑denominational and works in partnership with the HSE to create a caring, trusting and supportive environment. The curriculum is broad, child‑centred and delivered through individual education programmes that blend classroom learning with a wide range of experiences both within and beyond the school grounds. Emphasis is placed on developing each pupil’s unique strengths, fostering social, emotional and intellectual growth, and building self‑confidence and self‑esteem. The ethos promotes mutual respect among pupils, staff and families, and staff are encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development to keep teaching approaches current and innovative. Facilities have expanded from the original three classrooms, an all‑purpose hall, a Special Care unit and kitchen to a modern purpose‑built building following two extensions. The school now accommodates over 180 pupils and is supported by a multidisciplinary team that includes teachers, nurses, special‑needs assistants, house‑keepers, a caretaker and bus escorts, ensuring comprehensive care and support for all learners.
History
The Holy Family School originated in Carrickmacross in 1966 when a local committee recognised a lack of provision for children with learning disabilities and established a part‑time voluntary school funded by parents and friends. In 1968 the Department of Education recognised it as a temporary school, appointing a qualified teacher and providing free transport. After a request to make the school permanent, the Department directed that a more central location in Cootehill would better serve the 20‑mile radius covering Counties Cavan and Monaghan. Consequently, the Holy Family School was formally established in Cootehill in 1973, named after the Holy Family Hall in Carrickmacross. The initial premises comprised three classrooms, an all‑purpose hall, a Special Care unit and a kitchen, staffed by three teachers and a nurse, serving 23 pupils. Over the ensuing fifty years the school has undergone two extensions and the construction of a brand‑new building, now catering for over 180 pupils with a full complement of support staff.
Applying to Holy Family S S
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 S S. 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 S S
How many pupils attend Holy Family S S?
Holy Family S S has 182 pupils enrolled, 45 girls and 137 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Holy Family S S a DEIS school?
No. Holy Family S S 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 Holy Family S S?
Holy Family S S has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed primary school.