Mount Sion Primary School
Waterford
Key facts
- DEIS
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 360 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19947U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Mount Sion Primary School is a boys’ primary school in Waterford City that blends a long‑standing tradition with a forward‑looking educational ethos. Guided by the life and values of Blessed Edmund Rice, the school promotes a partnership‑based approach, fostering a happy, respectful and safe environment where pupils are encouraged to become the best they can be. The curriculum is delivered within a holistic “Education for Life” framework, emphasising academic rigour, personal development and community involvement, and is supported by strong links with parents and the wider local community. The school accommodates approximately 360 pupils in purpose‑built facilities that have evolved over more than two centuries. The main primary building, constructed in the mid‑1940s, remains in use alongside a dedicated school hall (added 1969) and various extensions that provide modern classrooms, specialist spaces and outdoor areas. These premises support a dynamic learning atmosphere, enabling a broad range of activities and programmes that nurture both intellectual growth and social confidence.
History
The site of Mount Sion dates back to the Knights Templar (1250‑1540) before passing to William Wyse. A chapel existed on the grounds by 1700 and the land was leased to Edmund Rice in 1803. Rice opened his first school in New Street in 1802 and, after the blessing of a new residence on 7 June 1803, the school moved to Mount Sion on 1 May 1804. Over the 19th and early 20th centuries the school expanded with new buildings, a bake house, a technical school and a large primary building completed in 1945, which continues to serve the community today. Subsequent additions include a school hall (1969) and various extensions, reflecting the school’s continual growth while preserving its historic roots.
Applying to Mount Sion 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 Mount Sion 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 Mount Sion Primary School
How many pupils attend Mount Sion Primary School?
Mount Sion Primary School has 360 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Mount Sion Primary School a DEIS school?
Yes. Mount Sion Primary School is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Mount Sion Primary School?
Mount Sion Primary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.