Newpark Comprehensive School
Blackrock, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 884 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 415 girls, 469 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 81001I the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Newpark Comprehensive School is a co‑educational state secondary school situated on Newtownpark Avenue in Blackrock, County Dublin. Rooted in a Christian tradition under the patronage of the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, the school embraces a pluralist ethos, welcoming pupils of all faiths, cultures and abilities. It offers a broadly based curriculum that spans the Junior Cycle, a dedicated Transition Year, and the Leaving Certificate (Established, Vocational and Applied programmes). The curriculum is designed to develop academic, practical, artistic, sporting and spiritual competencies, encouraging students to become active, participative citizens and lifelong learners. The school’s facilities were modernised in 2015 when it moved into purpose‑built premises designed by local architect Martin McKenna. The new campus provides spacious, well‑equipped learning environments, specialist rooms for science, technology and the arts, and extensive sports amenities that support a vibrant extra‑curricular programme including hockey, basketball, music, drama and debate. Innovation remains central to Newpark’s identity, reflected in its history of pioneering team‑teaching, cross‑curricular links and a pre‑university seventh year, all aimed at fostering a dynamic, inclusive learning community.
History
Newpark Comprehensive School was established in 1972 under the patronage of the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, emerging from the amalgamation of Avoca School (founded 1891) and Kingstown Grammar School (founded 1894). The two schools combined in 1968 as Avoca and Kingstown School, and after further expansion and a merger with Kingstown in 1967, Newpark was founded as one of the first four comprehensive schools created by the Irish Government. Early growth saw enrolments exceed 800 pupils, with pioneering initiatives such as team teaching, cross‑curricular programmes, Transition Year and a pre‑university seventh year. In 2015 the school relocated to new, architecturally modern buildings while retaining links to the historic original structure, continuing its commitment to educational innovation and improvement.
Applying to Newpark Comprehensive 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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to Newpark Comprehensive 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: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 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 Newpark Comprehensive School
How many pupils attend Newpark Comprehensive School?
Newpark Comprehensive School has 884 pupils enrolled, 415 girls and 469 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Newpark Comprehensive School a DEIS school?
No. Newpark Comprehensive 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 Newpark Comprehensive School?
Newpark Comprehensive School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.