Powerscourt National School
Enniskerry, Wicklow
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 114 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 58 girls, 56 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 09760V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Powerscourt National School is a Church of Ireland primary school situated just off the Cookstown Road in the historic village of Enniskerry, County Wicklow. The school follows the NCCA Primary School Curriculum (1999), delivering a broad programme that includes English, Gaeilge, Mathematics, Religion, Science, History, Geography, Music, Drama, Art, SPHE and Physical Education. Learning is child‑centred and inclusive, with age‑appropriate skill development such as map reading, debating and interviewing woven throughout the curriculum. The school benefits from modern, energy‑efficient facilities that were opened in June 2012, replacing the former historic building with a contemporary “passive” school designed to provide a comfortable, low‑energy learning environment. These premises support a range of specialist spaces for arts, science and physical activity, enabling pupils to engage fully in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. The school’s ethos emphasises community, safeguarding and the holistic development of each child, underpinned by clear child‑protection structures.
History
The school’s origins date to 1818 when Richard, 5th Viscount Powerscourt commissioned architect Sir William Morrison to construct a series of rustic cottages, including the original schoolhouse. By 1825 the Enniskerry Schoolhouse met the standards of the Kildare Place Society, enrolling 61 children at a construction cost of £600, with Margaret Sandford as headmistress. In 1867 the school entered the National School System under James and Isabella Doherty, receiving roll number 9760. Originally named Enniskerry National School, it was renamed Powerscourt National School in 1876. After more than a century of continuous operation, the school moved in June 2012 to a modern, energy‑efficient building, marking a new chapter in its long history.
Applying to Powerscourt 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 Powerscourt 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 Powerscourt National School
How many pupils attend Powerscourt National School?
Powerscourt National School has 114 pupils enrolled, 58 girls and 56 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Powerscourt National School a DEIS school?
No. Powerscourt 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 Powerscourt National School?
Powerscourt National School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed primary school.