Knockbridge National School
Dundalk, Louth
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 285 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 134 girls, 151 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15101N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Mary’s National School, Knockbridge is a co‑educational primary school serving a vibrant community of approximately 307 pupils in a rural setting just over three miles south of Dundalk. The school prides itself on fostering a positive behaviour culture alongside strong academic and extra‑curricular achievement, offering a balanced programme that encourages curiosity, creativity and personal development. Modern teaching spaces, including a purpose‑built hall, a dedicated PC laboratory and specialist SET (Special Educational Needs) rooms, support a wide range of learning experiences for all abilities. Over the past decade the school has undertaken extensive building projects to accommodate its growing enrolment. Recent enhancements comprise new classrooms, a disabled‑access toilet, a landscaped car park, an ornate perimeter railing and extensive front‑ and rear‑yard landscaping, all contributing to a safe, welcoming and environmentally conscious campus. The school’s “Green School” ethos underpins its commitment to sustainability, while a robust set of policies, including an up‑to‑date admission notice and policy, ensure transparent governance and a supportive learning environment for families.
History
St. Mary’s National School, Knockbridge, a co‑educational primary school with 307 pupils, is situated in the historic village of Knockbridge, an area rich in local legend. In the late 1960s, Kilcroney National School closed and amalgamated with Knockbridge NS. The present school building opened in 1969 adjacent to the original structure, which now serves as a community centre and creche. An extension added two classrooms, a general purpose room, staff room and office in 1999. Further development in 2006 secured four additional classrooms, a new entrance and extensive modifications, completed in September 2008, together with a new rear car park and landscaping. In 2010 the school constructed a new hall and PC lab, officially opened in December 2011, representing an investment of over €1.3 million. A decorative perimeter railing was installed in 2016, and in 2019 an extra classroom, three SET rooms, a disabled toilet and storage facilities were added.
Applying to Knockbridge 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 Knockbridge 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 Knockbridge National School
How many pupils attend Knockbridge National School?
Knockbridge National School has 285 pupils enrolled, 134 girls and 151 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Knockbridge National School a DEIS school?
No. Knockbridge 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 Knockbridge National School?
Knockbridge National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.