Primary school

St Cronans Boys National School

Wicklow

Watercolour illustration of the St Cronans Boys National School building, Bray
Illustration of St Cronans Boys National School.

Key facts

  • Boys
Pupils enrolled
388 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
Girls and boys
1 girls, 387 boys
Ethos
Catholic
Teaching through Irish
No subjects through Irish
Roll number
16872A the Department of Education reference for this school

School details

Address
Vevay Crescent, Vevay Road
Location
Wicklow
School type
Primary
Latest inspection reports
View on gov.ie

Location

About

St. Cronan’s National School is a mixed‑gender primary school situated on Vevay Crescent, Bray, County Wicklow. Historically a boys’ school, it now welcomes both girls and boys in Junior Infant classes while continuing to provide education for boys from Senior Infant through to 6th Class. The school operates under the patronage of the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin and follows the Irish national curriculum, placing a strong emphasis on a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child is encouraged to develop academically, socially and personally. The school’s ethos centres on “opportunities to succeed” for all pupils, promoting confidence, discipline and respect for cultural diversity. A dedicated staff team delivers a well‑rounded programme that includes core subjects, a Digital School of Distinction award, Green Schools initiatives, Forest School sessions, and a range of extracurricular clubs such as music, sport, Crokidz and after‑school activities. Facilities support these programmes with dedicated classroom spaces, a playground, and areas for specialised learning, ensuring pupils have access to a broad spectrum of experiences that foster leadership, creativity and sporting talent. Operating hours run from 8.40 am to 1.20 pm for Junior Infants and to 2.20 pm for 1st‑6th classes, with scheduled breaks and supervised arrival periods. The school maintains clear rules on attendance, uniform, and conduct, reinforcing a safe and respectful community for learners.

History

St. Cronan’s National School boasts a 204‑year legacy of educating children in the Bray area, originally serving boys since its foundation in the early 19th century (circa 1822). In September 2025 the school opened its doors to girls for the first time in Junior Infant classes, marking a significant step in its evolution while preserving its long‑standing tradition of academic excellence.

Applying to St Cronans Boys 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 St Cronans Boys 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 St Cronans Boys National School

How many pupils attend St Cronans Boys National School?

St Cronans Boys National School has 388 pupils enrolled, 1 girls and 387 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.

Is St Cronans Boys National School a DEIS school?

No. St Cronans Boys 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 St Cronans Boys National School?

St Cronans Boys National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.