St Orans National School
Buncrana, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 228 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 111 girls, 117 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16789N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Oran’s National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in Cockhill, Buncrana, County Donegal, operating under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Derry. The school currently educates 231 pupils and places a strong emphasis on community involvement and student voice. A vibrant school blog, written by senior pupils, showcases the achievements and daily life of the school, while an up‑to‑date academic calendar keeps families informed of important events throughout the year. In the 2023/24 academic year the school launched its first Student Council, which successfully raised €1,111 for the charity SVP, demonstrating a commitment to leadership development and charitable activity. The school also renewed its Active Flag, reflecting a focus on health, wellbeing and active lifestyles. Celebrations of the school’s 40th anniversary highlighted a long‑standing tradition of providing a supportive, faith‑based education within a modern, inclusive environment.
History
St. Oran’s National School marked its 40th anniversary in Term 3 of the previous school year, indicating that the school was established in the early 1980s (circa 1983‑84). Since then it has grown to serve over 200 pupils and continues to evolve its programmes and facilities under Catholic patronage.
Applying to St Orans 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 Orans 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 Orans National School
How many pupils attend St Orans National School?
St Orans National School has 228 pupils enrolled, 111 girls and 117 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Orans National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Orans 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 Orans National School?
St Orans National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.