Old Borough National School
Swords, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 84 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 40 girls, 44 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 12358M the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Old Borough National School is a small, co‑educational, multi‑grade primary school serving the Church of Ireland parishes of Swords, Kilsallaghan and Donabate, while welcoming children of all faiths and none. The school places a strong emphasis on respect, inclusion and community, teaching pupils to appreciate one another regardless of colour, class or creed. Its curriculum incorporates the *Follow Me* programme of Religious Education, which develops knowledge of Christian belief, encourages personal spiritual exploration and fosters sensitivity towards other faith traditions. The school operates from a purpose‑built four‑classroom facility that opened in April 2001, situated in the historic Old Vicarage Orchard between the River Ward and St Columba’s Church. The setting provides a tranquil, rural‑inspired environment that supports outdoor learning and a close‑knit community atmosphere. With a modest enrolment, the school can offer personalised attention, a balanced blend of academic instruction and practical skills, and a supportive ethos that prepares children for lifelong learning.
History
Children have been educated at Old Borough National School since 18 February 1809. Following the Act of Union in 1800, Swords received a £15,000 compensation fund, which trustees invested to endow a school for the borough. In December 1804 a parcel of land on Main Street was purchased and architect Francis Johnston designed the original schoolhouse, which opened on 18 February 1809 under the first master and mistress, Mr and Mrs Carmichael. In 1995 the Department of Education approved a new four‑classroom school, and on 6 April 2001 the school moved to its present location in the Old Vicarage Orchard between the River Ward and St Columba’s Church. A more detailed history is available from the school for €10.
Applying to Old Borough National 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 Old Borough National 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 Old Borough National School
How many pupils attend Old Borough National School?
Old Borough National School has 84 pupils enrolled, 40 girls and 44 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Old Borough National School a DEIS school?
No. Old Borough National 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 Borough National School?
Old Borough National School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed primary school.