Killyon National School
Meath
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 60 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 25 girls, 35 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 07120V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Killyon National School is a small, rural primary school situated in South Meath between Ballivor and Longwood, operating under the patronage of the Diocese of Meath. The school prides itself on fostering a strong sense of belonging, care and opportunity within the local community. Every pupil is known individually and supported to develop academically, socially and emotionally in a calm, welcoming environment where safety, respect and encouragement are paramount. The educational approach is broad and creative, encouraging children to build on their strengths and gain confidence through a balanced programme of literacy, numeracy, arts, sport and environmental learning. Recent extensions have provided two bright, spacious classrooms, a purpose‑built room, staff facilities and a modern office, while earlier improvements added a toilet block, central heating and additional teaching spaces. The school’s garden and green‑school initiatives further enrich the curriculum, offering hands‑on experiences that link classroom learning with the natural world.
History
Education in Killyon began with 19th‑century hedge schools, notably the Blackshade school where Irish, Latin and other subjects were taught. In 1853 the community built Killyon Old School from stone sourced at Clogherinkoe Quarry, replacing the hedge school and operating until 1916. On 1 May 1916 Killyon National School opened in a new two‑roomed building, with Mrs Bridget Fehily appointed as principal. A third classroom was added in 1930, followed by a toilet block and oil‑fired heating in 1965. Significant expansion in 1975 introduced further classrooms, a purpose room, staff room and office, and a 2016 extension added two large, bright classrooms. The school has been led by only three principals: Mrs Fehily (retired 1957), Mr William Fennessy (served until 1996), Mrs Jane Burke (served until August 2023), and the current principal, Mr Nigel Boardman, who began in January 2024.
Applying to Killyon 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 Killyon 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 Killyon National School
How many pupils attend Killyon National School?
Killyon National School has 60 pupils enrolled, 25 girls and 35 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Killyon National School a DEIS school?
No. Killyon 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 Killyon National School?
Killyon National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.