Rathmullan National School
Drogheda, Louth
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 373 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 166 girls, 207 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19479N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St. John’s National School is a co‑educational Catholic primary school situated in Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, County Louth. It provides early childhood education from the Early Start programme (three‑year‑olds) through to the end of Second Class (approximately eight‑year‑olds). The school’s ethos centres on kindness, friendliness and inclusive participation, aiming to create a supportive environment for all learners, including those with additional educational needs such as a dedicated class for children with diagnosed specific speech and language disorders. The curriculum follows the Irish primary framework and covers English, Gaeilge, Geography, History, Science, Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Mathematics, Physical Education, SPHE and Religious Education. Recent investment through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan has equipped the school with new iPads for disadvantaged pupils, STEAM kits for coding and robotics, and two Promethean Interactive Panels, enhancing digital teaching and learning across all classrooms. These resources support a modern, hands‑on approach to education while reinforcing the school’s commitment to equitable access for every child. With five classes in each year group and a total roll of around 425 pupils, the school maintains a vibrant community atmosphere. The Early Start class accommodates 60 three‑year‑olds, and the school’s facilities are designed to cater for a wide range of abilities, promoting active engagement, creativity and personal development in line with its Catholic values.
History
St. John’s NS was founded in November 1974 in prefabricated classrooms located in the car park of the Holy Family Church in Ballsgrove, initially staffed by two teachers. In July 1975 the school expanded to four teachers, and in 1979 it moved to its present building. Originally a vertical school serving up to Sixth Class, the institution was divided in 1982 into a junior school (St. John’s) and a senior school (St. Paul’s) following rapid growth. The school’s name reflects the visit of Pope John Paul II to Drogheda in 1979. It now operates under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Meath.
Applying to Rathmullan 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 Rathmullan 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 Rathmullan National School
How many pupils attend Rathmullan National School?
Rathmullan National School has 373 pupils enrolled, 166 girls and 207 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Rathmullan National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Rathmullan National 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 Rathmullan National School?
Rathmullan National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.