Presentation Primary School
Waterford
Key facts
- DEIS
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 446 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 437 girls, 9 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19955T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Presentation Primary School is a Catholic primary school in Waterford that primarily educates girls, while also offering two Speech and Language classes that admit both boys and girls. The school emphasises an inclusive, caring environment where pupils are encouraged to develop physically, mentally and spiritually. Its educational ethos, inspired by Nano Nagle, stresses cherishing every child and giving particular attention to those most in need. A broad, balanced curriculum is delivered through a supportive partnership with parents, fostering respect, courtesy and a vibrant, creative atmosphere. The school benefits from modern digital infrastructure, including high‑speed broadband provided through the Department of Education’s School Broadband Programme. A 2021 EU‑funded grant enabled the purchase of Samsung tablets, which were distributed to pupils facing digital disadvantage, reinforcing the school’s commitment to narrowing the digital divide. Extra‑curricular highlights such as the Summer Stars reading programme, Friendship Day activities and participation in the Waterford Primary School Cross‑Country Championships illustrate a holistic approach that values academic achievement alongside personal and social development.
History
The Presentation Congregation was founded on Christmas Eve 1775 by Nano Nagle in Cork. In 1795 three Waterford women travelled to Cork for training and, three years later, Margaret Power, Eleanor Power and Mary Mullowney returned to Waterford to open the first free Catholic school for girls in Jenkins Lane near St Patrick’s Church (1798). A new convent and school opened on Hennessy’s Road in 1800, and in 1848 the Sisters moved to Slievekeale Road, where they have continued the tradition of Catholic education for over two centuries.
Applying to Presentation Primary 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 Presentation Primary 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 Presentation Primary School
How many pupils attend Presentation Primary School?
Presentation Primary School has 446 pupils enrolled, 437 girls and 9 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Presentation Primary School a DEIS school?
Yes. Presentation Primary School is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Presentation Primary School?
Presentation Primary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' primary school.