Monaghan Model School
Monaghan
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 199 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 101 girls, 98 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 07751K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Monaghan Model School is a co‑educational primary school under the patronage of the Department of Education. It operates within a distinctly Christian ethos, primarily serving children from Protestant backgrounds while welcoming pupils of all faiths or none. The school places a strong emphasis on personal fulfilment and collective responsibility, fostering a positive climate where each child feels valued, healthy and supported to develop intellectually, physically, socially and morally. Teaching is delivered by a team of six teachers who integrate literacy and numeracy stations, project‑based learning and community‑wide initiatives such as the One Book, One County reading programme, encouraging engagement with Irish history and culture. The historic campus retains many original features, including stone arches bearing the “Boys’ School” and “Girls’ School” inscriptions and a former principal’s residence now repurposed for offices, storage and modern toilet facilities. Extra‑curricular activities are varied, ranging from fire‑engine visits for Junior Infants to outdoor adventure trips, peace‑building projects and hot school meals provided by The Lunch Bag, all of which contribute to a well‑rounded educational experience.
History
Model Schools were established under the 1831 Board of National Education scheme to provide exemplary primary education and teacher training. Monaghan Model School opened on Wednesday 9 October 1861 with three departments – a Boys’ School (150 pupils), a Girls’ School (100 pupils) and an Infant School (100 pupils). The original stone arches above the two main entrances still display the historic “Boys’ School” and “Girls’ School” engravings. The two‑storey section that once housed the principal’s residence now serves as storage, offices and toilets. The school has continued to function as a community‑focused institution throughout its more than 150‑year history.
Applying to Monaghan Model 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 Monaghan Model 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 Monaghan Model School
How many pupils attend Monaghan Model School?
Monaghan Model School has 199 pupils enrolled, 101 girls and 98 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Monaghan Model School a DEIS school?
No. Monaghan Model 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 Monaghan Model School?
Monaghan Model School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed primary school.