Sandford Parish National School
Ranelagh, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 196 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 91 girls, 105 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15618E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Sandford Parish National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in the historic parish of St Peter, Dublin. It offers a balanced curriculum that follows the Irish Primary School Curriculum while fostering a supportive, inclusive environment rooted in the values of the Church of Ireland tradition. The school places emphasis on developing literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills, complemented by a strong programme of creative arts, music and physical education. Modern teaching practices are underpinned by well‑maintained facilities, including a purpose‑built classroom block, a dedicated library, two resource rooms and a spacious staffroom, all designed to enhance learning and cater for a range of pupil needs. The campus has evolved significantly since its original 19th‑century origins. A new building was erected in 1992‑93 and further expanded in 2009, adding two classrooms, additional resource rooms, and upgraded administrative offices. With over 200 children enrolled, staffing levels comply with Department of Education and Skills regulations, ensuring small class sizes and personalised attention. The school’s environment encourages community involvement, parental partnership and the holistic development of each child.
History
Sandford School was built in 1826 in the parish of St Peter, Ranelagh, funded by George Sandford of Somerset. By 1835 the site hosted separate schools for boys, girls and infants, with enrolments peaking at 125 in the 1850s. In 1901 the institution became Sandford Parish National School under the National Board of Education. The 1960s saw an amalgamation with Donnybrook Church of Ireland School, prompting the addition of prefabricated classrooms. A new purpose‑built school was constructed on the original site in 1992‑93, retaining and upgrading the historic hall. Further extensions in 2009 replaced the prefabs with two new classrooms, two resource rooms, a library, and expanded administrative and staff facilities. Today the school serves over 200 pupils.
Applying to Sandford Parish 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
View Sandford Parish National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Sandford Parish National School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Sandford Parish National School
How many pupils attend Sandford Parish National School?
Sandford Parish National School has 196 pupils enrolled, 91 girls and 105 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Sandford Parish National School a DEIS school?
No. Sandford Parish 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 Sandford Parish National School?
Sandford Parish National School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed primary school.