River Valley Community National School
Swords, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 143 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 75 girls, 68 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20528H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
River Valley Community National School, situated at 85‑87 Main Street in Swords, Co Dublin, opened its doors in September 2019 under the patronage of the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board. As a Community National School it serves the local community with a multidenominational ethos, offering places in junior infants, senior infants, first, third, fourth and fifth classes. The school adopts a holistic, future‑focused approach to learning, aiming to develop each child’s academic, social, moral, emotional, spiritual and creative capabilities. Core values of respect, inclusion, equality and fairness underpin a curriculum that celebrates diversity of belief, language, culture and tradition. Partnership is central to the school’s identity – staff, parents and the wider community work together to create a welcoming, child‑centred and stimulating environment that prepares pupils for the challenges of 21st‑century Ireland. Beyond the classroom, River Valley provides a range of after‑school activities, including art classes, Irish dancing and a STEAM Academy, supporting the development of artistic and scientific interests. Enrolment for the 2026/2027 academic year opens in October 2025, reflecting the school’s commitment to maintaining accessible places for families in the area.
History
River Valley Community National School was established in September 2019 under the patronage of the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board as a Community National School, reflecting the state’s response to increasing diversity and the need for inclusive primary education.
Applying to River Valley Community 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 River Valley Community 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 River Valley Community National School
How many pupils attend River Valley Community National School?
River Valley Community National School has 143 pupils enrolled, 75 girls and 68 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is River Valley Community National School a DEIS school?
No. River Valley Community 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 River Valley Community National School?
River Valley Community National School has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed primary school.