Rathgar National School
Dublin 6, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 94 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 46 girls, 48 boys
- Ethos
- Methodist
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14717B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Rathgar National School is a Methodist‑patroned primary school situated on Rathgar Avenue, Dublin, catering for children aged four to twelve. With an enrolment of around ninety‑four pupils, the school provides a balanced curriculum underpinned by a Christian ethos that values respect, inclusivity and the holistic development of every child. The learning environment is supported by a teaching principal, a team of mainstream teachers, dedicated special‑education staff and ancillary personnel, ensuring that both academic and individual needs are met. The school benefits from high‑speed broadband connectivity delivered through the Department of Education’s School Broadband Programme, enabling the integration of digital resources into classroom practice. A broad programme of extra‑curricular activities, including physical education, green‑school initiatives and various clubs, enriches the pupil experience and promotes a well‑rounded education. The ethos statement highlights a commitment to equality irrespective of gender, social background, religious belief, sexual orientation, family circumstances or ability, fostering a welcoming community for all families.
History
The origins of Rathgar National School lie in the Brighton Road Methodist Church school house built between 1874 and 1879. In 1896 two separate National Schools – a boys’ and a girls’ school – were erected on Rathgar Avenue under a 999‑year lease, opening on 4 August 1896 with a capacity for 160 pupils. After an initial inspection in August 1896, the schools operated independently until declining numbers led to their amalgamation, together with the nearby Mt Jerome school, in June 1971, forming a single five‑teacher primary school. The centenary was celebrated in May 1996 with a visit from President Mary Robinson and community events. By June 2011 the school had 94 children on roll and a staff team delivering the Irish Primary School Curriculum alongside a wide range of extra‑curricular programmes, a situation that continues today.
Applying to Rathgar 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
View Rathgar National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Rathgar National School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Rathgar National School
How many pupils attend Rathgar National School?
Rathgar National School has 94 pupils enrolled, 46 girls and 48 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Rathgar National School a DEIS school?
No. Rathgar 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 Rathgar National School?
Rathgar National School has a Methodist ethos. It is a mixed primary school.