St Francis Junior National School
Priorswood, Dublin
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 165 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 79 girls, 86 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17104G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Francis Junior School is a co‑educational primary school situated on Clonshaugh Drive, Priorswood, Dublin 17. Operating under the patronage of the Archdiocese of Dublin, the school follows the Department of Education and Skills curriculum while embracing a Catholic ethos that respects the cultural, religious and linguistic diversity of its community. The school is part of the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) initiative, which provides additional support to pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and promotes inclusive education. The school’s educational philosophy centres on the holistic development of each child, aiming to nurture physical, social, emotional, spiritual and academic potential within a safe, structured and caring environment. Learning is delivered through a balanced programme that encourages self‑esteem, confidence and an understanding of God’s love, preparing pupils for responsible adulthood. The timetable accommodates junior and senior infants from 08:50 am to 13:30 pm and first and second classes until 14:30 pm, reflecting a commitment to a well‑rounded school day.
History
St Francis Junior School was founded in 1977, with its first principal being Mr Joe Finn. Although the senior school (3rd–6th class) now sits adjacent to the junior school, the junior school was the original establishment on the site.
Applying to St Francis Junior 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 Francis Junior 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 Francis Junior National School
How many pupils attend St Francis Junior National School?
St Francis Junior National School has 165 pupils enrolled, 79 girls and 86 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Francis Junior National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Francis Junior 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 Francis Junior National School?
St Francis Junior National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.