St Pius Xgirls National School
Terenure, Dublin
Key facts
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 540 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19178W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Pius X Girls’ National School provides a nurturing and supportive environment for pupils from Junior Infants through to 6th Class. The school’s ethos centres on positive affirmation, clear communication and a genuine partnership between families, staff and the wider community. A structured school day runs from 8:45 am, with a shorter schedule for Junior and Senior Infants (ending at 1:30 pm) and a full timetable for older classes (ending at 2:30 pm), including two daily break periods. The campus combines modern facilities with a strong emphasis on extracurricular enrichment. Dedicated spaces include a library, a cookery room, a medical room, staffrooms and a well‑equipped principal’s office. A vibrant music programme is highlighted by the school choir, which records and performs at local festivals, while the Active School and various sports activities promote health and teamwork. Resources such as reading tips, stationery lists and a comprehensive term calendar support both pupils and parents throughout the academic year. St. Pius X Girls’ NS also maintains clear policies on uniform, health and safety, and internet use, ensuring a safe and organised learning environment. The school’s close links with the Parents’ Association and community organisations further reinforce its commitment to holistic development and lifelong learning.
History
St. Pius X Girls’ and Boys’ National Schools opened on 15 February 1965 in six prefabricated classrooms on land leased from St. Mary’s Rugby Club, serving 192 pupils. As enrolments grew, additional prefabs were added and classes were held in the church sacristy and St. Mary’s room. A permanent site, known locally as “The Jungle” in Fortfield Park, was secured through the efforts of local curates and later the parish priest, Rev. Msgr. John Fitzpatrick D.D. The new primary school buildings were officially opened on 19 January 1971, featuring 32 classrooms (16 for each gender), a library, cookery and medical rooms, staffrooms and principal’s offices, accommodating 28 teachers and 1,130 children. The school celebrated its 40th anniversary on 30 September 2005, culminating in a visit from President Mary McAleese on 15 December 2005.
Applying to St Pius Xgirls 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 Pius Xgirls 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 Pius Xgirls 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 Pius Xgirls National School
How many pupils attend St Pius Xgirls National School?
St Pius Xgirls National School has 540 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Pius Xgirls National School a DEIS school?
No. St Pius Xgirls 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 Pius Xgirls National School?
St Pius Xgirls National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' primary school.
Illustration based on a photo by User:O'Dea. Photo and adapted illustration: CC BY-SA 4.0.