Rockfield National School
Knocknashangan, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 49 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 24 girls, 25 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 09009Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Rockfield National School is a small, community‑focused primary school situated in Ballyshannon, County Donegal. The school aims to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for lifelong learning, offering a curriculum that is responsive to each child’s abilities, aptitude and interests. A strong emphasis is placed on academic rigour, personal responsibility, punctuality and discipline, while also nurturing a love of the arts through music, visual arts, dance, drama and language programmes. The school views education as a partnership with families, recognising parents as the child’s primary educator and fostering a collaborative environment among pupils, staff, the board of management and ancillary personnel. Its ethos promotes respect for others, property and individual differences, and actively works to dismantle prejudice and support children in managing conflict. Facilities support both academic and aesthetic pursuits, creating a well‑rounded experience for the whole child.
History
The origins of Rockfield National School date back to an application on 20 December 1907 by Rev. Bernard Cannon Kelly for a grant to build a vested schoolhouse on land leased from Patrick Gallagher. After a series of negotiations and departmental inquiries, the school was officially opened on 21 November 1910, despite initial refusals concerning vesting and proximity to Belleek. The school has continued to serve the local community for over a century.
Applying to Rockfield 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 Rockfield 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 Rockfield National School
How many pupils attend Rockfield National School?
Rockfield National School has 49 pupils enrolled, 24 girls and 25 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Rockfield National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Rockfield 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 Rockfield National School?
Rockfield National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.