Old Bawn Community School
Tallaght, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 1,024 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 479 girls, 545 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 91336W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Old Bawn Community School is a long‑established community school in Tallaght, Dublin, celebrating over 47 years of partnership with families, staff, adult learners and the wider local community. The school’s ethos centres on respect, inclusivity, student wellbeing and academic success, aiming to provide a caring environment where every learner can thrive. Its mission emphasises personal growth, community engagement and a broad‑based commitment to learning that extends beyond the classroom. The curriculum runs from Junior Cycle through to the Leaving Certificate, supported by a strong digital programme – the school is a Microsoft Showcase School offering one‑to‑one devices and blended learning opportunities. Exceptional teaching, a focus on health and social services, and a range of extracurricular activities, including strong GAA and hurling traditions, contribute to a vibrant school life. Facilities are designed to support both academic and personal development, with dedicated spaces for digital learning, sports, and community projects.
History
Old Bawn Community School was founded in 1978 as part of the ‘Myles Wright Plan’ (1967) which created new towns west of Dublin, including Tallaght. The school was established to meet the educational needs of a rapidly growing population, complementing the earlier Tallaght Community School (1972). From its inception, the school has partnered closely with the community, focusing on youth development, family support, health and social services. Its Dominican heritage, stemming from the Dominican Fathers and Sisters, is reflected in the school crest, which incorporates the historic St. Mary’s Priory. Over the decades the school has maintained a tradition of community involvement, such as non‑uniform charity days, and has cultivated a strong sporting reputation through local GAA clubs.
Applying to Old Bawn Community 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 Old Bawn Community 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 Old Bawn Community School
How many pupils attend Old Bawn Community School?
Old Bawn Community School has 1,024 pupils enrolled, 479 girls and 545 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Old Bawn Community School a DEIS school?
No. Old Bawn Community 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 Old Bawn Community School?
Old Bawn Community School has an Inter Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.