Inver National School
Donegal
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 20 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 10 girls, 10 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16458N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Inver National School is a rural, co‑educational primary school located about 11 km from Donegal Town, just off the N56 near the village of Inver. Set within a tranquil countryside setting and within walking distance of Inver beach, the school makes use of its natural surroundings as an extended learning environment, enriching the curriculum with outdoor and experiential activities. The school operates under the patronage of the Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe and delivers Religious Education in line with the doctrines and traditions of the Church, while welcoming children of all faiths and none. A relaxed, caring atmosphere encourages a strong sense of belonging, and pupils are supported to progress at their own pace, aiming to reach their full potential in a nurturing community. The daily timetable runs from 9.00 am to 2.50 pm, with a short morning break and a half‑hour lunch period; infant classes finish at 2.00 pm. The school’s emphasis on personalised learning, community involvement and the use of local natural resources defines its distinctive educational approach.
History
In the 1800s several privately funded schools operated in the Parish of Inver, but many closed or moved. After the closure of Drumduff School in 1890 and a threatened closure of Drumfin School, Rev. A. Tydd, Rector of Inver, initiated the building of a central school near Inver Bridge. A site was donated by local landlord William Sinclair of Bonnyglen, with plans drawn by County Surveyor M. Steadman. Local tradition credits Mrs Montgomery Stewart of Drumbeg House with influencing the front‑face design. Construction was contracted to James McClay of Strabane at a cost of £350. The school opened on 10 January 1910 and entered the National School System in 1914. Subsequent amalgamations, such as that of Gortward School, expanded its catchment.
Applying to Inver 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 Inver 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 Inver National School
How many pupils attend Inver National School?
Inver National School has 20 pupils enrolled, 10 girls and 10 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Inver National School a DEIS school?
No. Inver 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 Inver National School?
Inver National School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed primary school.