Riverchapel National School
Gorey, Wexford
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 304 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 152 girls, 152 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15367F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Riverchapel National School is a Catholic primary school under the patronage of the Bishop of Ferns, offering an inclusive, all‑ability education to children in Riverchapel, Co. Wexford. The school’s ethos centres on creating a happy, safe and friendly learning environment where pupils are encouraged to reach their full academic, social and personal potential. A broad, balanced curriculum follows the Department of Education & Science guidelines, with a strong Catholic religious programme that prepares children for the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation while respecting the diverse beliefs of families. The school places great emphasis on partnership between pupils, parents, staff and the wider community. Facilities support a holistic approach, providing spaces for creative, sporting and cultural activities, and promoting the Irish language and Gaelic culture through regular events and extracurricular programmes. Regular updates to school policies ensure a safe and supportive atmosphere, and the school maintains an active online presence for resources such as book lists, uniform information and parent‑focused booklets.
History
The school marked its 50th anniversary in 2025, indicating it was established around 1975. Over the decades it has grown to serve the local community, continually expanding its resources and programmes while maintaining its Catholic ethos and commitment to inclusive education.
Applying to Riverchapel 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 Riverchapel 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 Riverchapel National School
How many pupils attend Riverchapel National School?
Riverchapel National School has 304 pupils enrolled, 152 girls and 152 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Riverchapel National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Riverchapel 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 Riverchapel National School?
Riverchapel National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.