St Fergals National School
Bray, Wicklow
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 373 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 187 girls, 186 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20466L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Fergal’s National School is a Catholic primary school serving the Bray community, offering a nurturing environment that promotes holistic development. The school’s ethos is rooted in a philosophy inspired by belief in God and core values of openness, acceptance and joy. Children are encouraged to grow physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, with learning framed around relationships to self, others, the earth and the spirit. These values are woven into daily routines, decision‑making processes and the school’s curricular, pastoral and organisational policies. The school operates across two adjoining buildings that accommodate both the junior and senior sections, as well as the Early Start preschool. Early Start follows the Aistear framework and Early Start guidelines, focusing on cognitive, language, personal, social, emotional and creative development through play‑based learning. A qualified primary teacher and a childcare worker deliver the programme, and pupils benefit from full access to school facilities, including assemblies, yard time, green‑school initiatives, science displays and a range of extracurricular activities such as trips to local attractions, art projects and environmental projects.
History
In the early 1970s St Fergal’s Junior National School was established to serve the emerging Ballywaltrim community in Bray, initially holding classes in the Parochial Hall of Queen of Peace Church. The following year the school moved to the Parish Hall, sharing the space with the church until construction was completed. In 1977 the Junior School relocated to its present site, and in 1979 the Senior School opened under new leadership. Both schools expanded over the years, undergoing several building modifications. In June 2015 the separate junior and senior schools were amalgamated, and in September 2015 the unified St Fergal’s National School opened its doors, continuing to operate across the two buildings.
Applying to St Fergals 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 Fergals 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 Fergals National School
How many pupils attend St Fergals National School?
St Fergals National School has 373 pupils enrolled, 187 girls and 186 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Fergals National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Fergals 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 St Fergals National School?
St Fergals National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.