Newtown Junior School
Waterford City, Waterford
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 112 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 49 girls, 63 boys
- Ethos
- Quaker
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20261Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Newtown Junior School is a small, co‑educational primary school that operates within the Irish National School system while retaining its historic Quaker ethos. The school prides itself on providing a broad and balanced curriculum that nurtures the intellectual, creative and physical development of every child, regardless of faith or background. A friendly, supportive atmosphere encourages learners to build confidence and compassion through experiences that extend beyond the classroom, such as table‑tennis workshops, rugby sessions and hands‑on science investigations. The school benefits from a highly qualified and committed staff who work closely with parents to create a secure, welcoming environment where each pupil’s individuality is celebrated. Emphasis is placed on community involvement, environmental awareness and the development of strong moral values. Facilities include well‑equipped classrooms, dedicated spaces for sports and the arts, and resources that support a modern, enquiry‑based approach to learning, all underpinned by the Quaker principles of respect and equality.
History
Newtown Junior School traces its roots to the founding of Newtown School in 1798 on the Waterford estate, originally established to educate Quaker children from Munster. The first pupils arrived on 1 August 1798, and the school quickly expanded, admitting children aged 7‑14 and offering a five‑year programme. After surviving economic and political challenges, the school was revived in 1924 by Arnold Marsh. The Junior School existed from the early twentieth century, was known as Selborne School in the early 1980s, and in 1988 became Newtown Junior School with its own management committee. In 2007 the school joined the National School System, becoming Ireland’s first Quaker National School, and continues to blend its historic ethos with contemporary education.
Applying to Newtown Junior 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 Newtown Junior 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 Newtown Junior School
How many pupils attend Newtown Junior School?
Newtown Junior School has 112 pupils enrolled, 49 girls and 63 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Newtown Junior School a DEIS school?
No. Newtown Junior 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 Newtown Junior School?
Newtown Junior School has a Quaker ethos. It is a mixed primary school.