St Josephs Boys National School
Dublin 6, Dublin
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 363 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 09750S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Joseph’s Boys National School in Terenure is a vibrant Roman Catholic primary school serving approximately 380 pupils across Junior Infants to 6th Class. The campus comprises three interconnected buildings that house 16 classrooms, purpose‑specific rooms and a range of resource spaces, providing a modern learning environment that supports both academic and extracurricular pursuits. The school’s educational philosophy embraces the full and harmonious development of each child – intellectually, physically, culturally, morally, socially, linguistically and spiritually – and promotes a caring, stimulating atmosphere where confidence and self‑esteem can flourish. A strong emphasis is placed on holistic well‑being through restorative practices such as daily “circles” that foster belonging, active listening and problem‑solving. A rich programme of sport, arts and STEM activities underpins the school’s commitment to an active and creative curriculum; pupils regularly engage in hurling, Gaelic football, cricket, tag rugby, padel tennis and athletics, while also achieving recognition in drama, music, visual arts and science festivals. Environmental stewardship is evident through the Green Flag status, an active Green Team and a school garden, reinforcing the community’s dedication to sustainability and civic responsibility.
History
Founded in 1866 as Roundtown Boys National School, the institution originally accommodated 174 boys and three teachers in a single large room (66 ft × 22 ft). In 1918 it adopted a Roman Catholic ethos and was renamed St Joseph’s BNS. The school was completely rebuilt in 1972/73, followed by the addition of the “New Building” in 1998, new offices and a staffroom in 2001, and the latest extension, the Annexe, completed around 2011.
Applying to St Josephs 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
View St Josephs Boys 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 St Josephs Boys 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 St Josephs Boys National School
How many pupils attend St Josephs Boys National School?
St Josephs Boys National School has 363 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Josephs Boys National School a DEIS school?
No. St Josephs 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 Josephs Boys National School?
St Josephs Boys National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.