Ratoath Junior National School
Ratoath, Meath
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 213 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 103 girls, 110 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 00885T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ratoath Junior National School is a Catholic, co‑educational junior primary school serving children from Junior Infants to 2nd class in Ratoath, Co. Meath. The school’s ethos is rooted in Gospel values, aiming to nurture the intellectual, physical, cultural, moral and spiritual development of each pupil. A strong emphasis is placed on inclusive, engaging classrooms where children are encouraged to take pride in their work, develop a love of learning and grow within the Catholic faith. The curriculum follows the NCCA Primary School Curriculum, delivering instruction across six learning areas, including English, Gaeilge, Mathematics, Science, the Arts and Physical Education, while preparing for upcoming reforms such as the New Maths Curriculum. The school benefits from modern facilities, including a ten‑classroom extension completed in 2010 and a dedicated autism class opened in September 2023. Daily “Active Breaks Every Day” promote health and concentration, and the school maintains clear health and safety policies, such as a nut‑ and kiwi‑free environment, a ban on smart watches, and specific rules for cyclists and e‑scooters on the premises. Regular communication with families is provided through a paperless weekly newsletter and an up‑to‑date school calendar, reinforcing the partnership between home and school.
History
Ratoath Mixed National School has occupied its present site on Fairyhouse Road since 1911. In response to a significant rise in pupil numbers, the school was divided on 1 September 2005 into Ratoath Junior National School and Ratoath Senior National School, the latter occupying a two‑storey building on the same campus. A ten‑classroom extension to the junior school was completed in 2010, and in September 2023 the school opened its first dedicated autism class.
Applying to Ratoath Junior 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 Ratoath Junior 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 Ratoath Junior National School
How many pupils attend Ratoath Junior National School?
Ratoath Junior National School has 213 pupils enrolled, 103 girls and 110 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ratoath Junior National School a DEIS school?
No. Ratoath Junior 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 Ratoath Junior National School?
Ratoath Junior National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.