Our Lady Of Good Counsel National School Waterford
Ferrybank, Waterford
Key facts
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 187 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 12007G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Our Lady of Good Counsel National School is a Catholic primary school for girls situated in Ferrybank, Waterford, on the north bank of the River Suir. The school prides itself on fostering the development of the whole child in partnership with parents, guided by Christian values and principles. Learning takes place in a happy, caring and enriching environment where pupils are encouraged to grow academically, socially and spiritually. The curriculum follows the Revised Primary School Curriculum and encompasses English, Social, Environmental and Scientific Education, History, Geography, Science, the Arts, Physical Education and Social, Personal and Health Education, including the Stay Safe programme. A strong emphasis is placed on STEM, with a dedicated online hub that showcases the school’s science, technology, engineering and maths activities. Extra‑curricular initiatives such as the Active Flag Committee, Green Flag programme and a mural celebrating the school’s heritage enrich the educational experience, while connections with up to twenty countries broaden pupils’ global awareness. The school grounds feature a sheltered area displaying the historic mural, providing a welcoming space for community gatherings.
History
The origins of the school date back to the 1870s when Fr Dunphy of Slieverue invited the Sacred Heart of Mary Sisters to establish a convent and school in Ferrybank. In January 1878 Elizabeth O’Neill and Kate O’Connell opened a school, and later that year Bishop Moran blessed the foundation stone of St Brigid’s school. After a fire in 1879, the Sisters arrived in September 1879 and took over the running of St Brigid’s in January 1880, with 167 children enrolled. Responding to growth in the 1950s, Our Lady of Good Counsel opened in 1959, replacing St Brigid’s. The Sisters administered the school until September 2002, when it was handed over to the Parish; the last Sister teacher retired in 2004. Today the school’s history is commemorated on a mural in the school grounds.
Applying to Our Lady Of Good Counsel National School Waterford
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 Our Lady Of Good Counsel National School Waterford. 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 Our Lady Of Good Counsel National School Waterford
How many pupils attend Our Lady Of Good Counsel National School Waterford?
Our Lady Of Good Counsel National School Waterford has 187 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Our Lady Of Good Counsel National School Waterford a DEIS school?
No. Our Lady Of Good Counsel National School Waterford 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 Our Lady Of Good Counsel National School Waterford?
Our Lady Of Good Counsel National School Waterford has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' primary school.