Rockfield National School
Sligo
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 174 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 86 girls, 88 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15378K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Chríost Rí, Rockfield is a mixed, rural national school situated in the picturesque village of Coolaney, Co. Sligo, with the Ox Mountains and the Hungry Rock forming a striking backdrop. The school caters for eight mainstream classes ranging from Junior Infants to Sixth Class and provides dedicated support for pupils with additional needs through two special‑education teachers and three special‑needs assistants. Facilities include well‑equipped classrooms, a dedicated secretary’s office, and outdoor learning spaces such as bird tables that promote environmental awareness and hands‑on interaction with nature. The school’s educational ethos centres on inclusivity, kindness and respect, underpinned by the national Bí Cineálta initiative. A child‑friendly version of the policy is available on the site, reflecting a commitment to fostering a caring community where every child feels valued. Environmental stewardship is also a priority, with active participation in the Green Schools programme, a Green Flag achievement, and projects like walkability audits and clean‑air weeks. Extra‑curricular life is vibrant, featuring a student council, regular newsletters, and community‑funded activities such as the school lottery, all of which encourage parental involvement and a strong sense of belonging.
History
Schooling in the area first took place in the local chapel, following the Board of Education Act of 1831; this arrangement lasted until the famine. A national school was erected opposite the chapel in 1850, including a teacher's residence at its western end. Matthew Doyle, the first teacher, served until 1891. The current building dates from 1902, constructed by Clarence of Ballysadare together with James Jordan & Sons. Rockfield absorbed the pupils of Cappagh and Killoran schools when they closed as part of a parish amalgamation in 1971. A chalet classroom put up by G.W.I. around this period stood empty until September 1979, when it came into use following the appointment of a second assistant teacher. Ignatius Henry served as principal from January 1979 until his retirement in June 2010.
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 174 pupils enrolled, 86 girls and 88 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Rockfield National School a DEIS school?
No. Rockfield 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 Rockfield National School?
Rockfield National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.