Lacken Mixed National School
Blessington, Wicklow
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 91 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 42 girls, 49 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 10111O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Lacken National School is a vibrant primary school situated in the picturesque village of Lacken, Blessington, County Wicklow. Set against a backdrop of mountains and overlooking the Blessington Lakes, the school benefits from an environment of outstanding natural beauty. Its ethos centres on the holistic development of pupils, nurturing academic achievement alongside physical, emotional, cultural, spiritual and moral growth. The school moved into a modern purpose‑built facility on 31 January 2011, with each classroom equipped with interactive whiteboards and visualisers. A further extension opened in 2018, adding an additional classroom and a dedicated ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) unit. As an Active School, pupils engage in a wide range of sporting activities such as GAA, cross‑country, kayaking, go‑karting, archery and orienteering, earning the first Active Flag in 2013. The school also participates in the national Green School programme, having secured five Green Flags for waste reduction, energy and water efficiency, sustainable travel and biodiversity, and is working towards a sixth flag focused on global citizenship and energy. A strong emphasis is placed on health and wellbeing, with a healthy eating policy that encourages children to make nutritious choices, bake wholesome treats and prepare smoothies. The on‑site Naíonra is registered for the Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme, providing early years provision for children from Blessington and the surrounding community.
History
Lacken National School relocated to a new, purpose‑built building on 31 January 2011, introducing classrooms fitted with interactive whiteboards and visualisers. In 2018 the school expanded with an additional classroom and a specialised ASD unit. The school achieved its first Active Flag in 2013 and has since earned five Green Flags recognising achievements in waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable travel and biodiversity, with plans for a sixth flag centred on global citizenship and energy.
Applying to Lacken Mixed 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 Lacken Mixed 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 Lacken Mixed National School
How many pupils attend Lacken Mixed National School?
Lacken Mixed National School has 91 pupils enrolled, 42 girls and 49 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Lacken Mixed National School a DEIS school?
No. Lacken Mixed 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 Lacken Mixed National School?
Lacken Mixed National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.