Loreto Primary School
Rathfarnham, Dublin
Key facts
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 445 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 440 girls, 5 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 00729F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Loreto Primary School, Grange Road, is a Catholic primary school in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, catering for approximately 450 pupils aged four to twelve. The school follows the Loreto ethos, which places the spiritual, intellectual, moral, physical and emotional development of each child at the centre of its educational approach. Learning is delivered within a warm, welcoming environment that promotes friendship, belonging and a strong sense of community, with active partnership between management, staff and parents. The curriculum is underpinned by Gospel values and the Loreto philosophy, encouraging love, freedom, justice, sincerity and joy. Pupils experience a balanced programme that includes regular liturgical celebrations, music, drama and assemblies, alongside a firm yet gentle discipline that fosters responsibility and respect. Special attention is given to children who are disadvantaged or have special needs, and the school maintains a zero‑tolerance stance on bullying while respecting cultural and religious diversity. Facilities include dedicated classrooms for each year group from Junior Infants to 3rd class, a historic statue of Mary inherited from Loreto Abbey, and spaces for communal worship and extracurricular activities. The school’s commitment to holistic development is reflected in its emphasis on social skills, teamwork and the nurturing of each child’s potential.
History
Loreto Primary School traces its roots to the arrival of the Loreto Sisters in Rathfarnham in 1821. The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded by Mary Ward, was introduced to Ireland by Frances Teresa Ball, who returned from York in 1821 and established the first Irish house at Rathfarnham, naming it Loreto. In 1823 Ball founded a free school for the local poor, marking the beginning of Loreto Primary School, now known as Grange Road Primary. Over the years the school has evolved alongside other Loreto foundations; notable milestones include the establishment of Loreto Abbey Boarding School (1822), the construction of the parish church (1838‑1840), and the closure of the Abbey in 1999. Today the school continues the Loreto tradition of providing Catholic education to the community.
Applying to Loreto Primary 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 Loreto Primary 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 Loreto Primary School
How many pupils attend Loreto Primary School?
Loreto Primary School has 445 pupils enrolled, 440 girls and 5 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Loreto Primary School a DEIS school?
No. Loreto Primary 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 Loreto Primary School?
Loreto Primary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' primary school.