Rathfarnham Educate Together
Rathfarnham, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 188 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 101 girls, 87 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19945Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Rathfarnham Educate Together (RETNS) is a state‑funded, co‑educational primary school that follows the four core principles of the Educate Together ethos – child‑centred, democratic, equality‑based and inclusive. The school provides a nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to develop academically, socially and emotionally, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, creativity and ethical learning through the Learn Together Ethical Programme. The campus benefits from high‑speed broadband supplied under the Department of Education’s School Broadband Programme, supporting a modern digital learning environment. A major refurbishment in 2008 added four new classrooms, and the school’s active “Green Team” has earned a ninth green flag, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. A range of extracurricular activities – from spring art projects and wormery updates to national choir participation and maths quizzes – enrich the pupil experience and promote community spirit.
History
The school opened in 1990 as the South City School Project with 39 children in six classes, initially housed in St Mary’s Church of Ireland School, Crumlin. After a fire in March 1993, the school relocated to Rathfarnham in September 1993 and was renamed Rathfarnham Educate Together (RETNS) in 2001. Significant milestones include a 2008 refurbishment adding four classrooms, a succession of principals (Paddie Murphy, Sinead Watson, Mary Carron, Maeve McCarthy), a 30‑year celebration and a Digital School of Distinction award, and successful navigation of the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Applying to Rathfarnham Educate Together
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 Rathfarnham Educate Together. 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 Rathfarnham Educate Together
How many pupils attend Rathfarnham Educate Together?
Rathfarnham Educate Together has 188 pupils enrolled, 101 girls and 87 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Rathfarnham Educate Together a DEIS school?
No. Rathfarnham Educate Together 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 Rathfarnham Educate Together?
Rathfarnham Educate Together has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed primary school.