South Abbey National School
Youghal, Cork
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 190 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 77 girls, 113 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 10724B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
South Abbey National School is a Church of Ireland primary school situated in Youghal, County Cork, welcoming children from a wide range of religious backgrounds and none. The school’s ethos centres on inclusion, respect and the celebration of diversity, fostering a caring atmosphere where every pupil is encouraged to develop their unique gifts. A strong Christian foundation underpins the curriculum, which is described as inspirational, creative and challenging, with regular outdoor learning such as gardening visits that link classroom learning to the local environment. The school places a high priority on holistic development through a rich programme of extra‑curricular activities. Weekly soccer and rugby sessions, a student council, assemblies and sacramental preparation provide opportunities for teamwork, leadership and spiritual growth. Facilities support both academic and physical education, with dedicated spaces for sports, a nurture room and access to a local uniform supplier. A low teacher‑to‑student ratio enables personalised support, helping each child reach their full potential.
Applying to South Abbey 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 South Abbey 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 South Abbey National School
How many pupils attend South Abbey National School?
South Abbey National School has 190 pupils enrolled, 77 girls and 113 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is South Abbey National School a DEIS school?
Yes. South Abbey 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 South Abbey National School?
South Abbey National School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed primary school.