Primary school

St Ultans National School

Ballyfermot, Dublin

Watercolour illustration of the St Ultans National School building, Ballyfermot
Illustration of St Ultans National School.

Key facts

  • DEIS
  • Mixed
Pupils enrolled
359 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
Girls and boys
192 girls, 167 boys
Ethos
Catholic
Teaching through Irish
No subjects through Irish
Roll number
20092T the Department of Education reference for this school

School details

Address
Cherry Orchard Avenue, Ballyfermot
Location
Ballyfermot, Dublin
School type
Primary
Latest inspection reports
View on gov.ie

About

St Ultan’s Primary School is a Catholic, vertical, co‑educational institution situated in Dublin 10, serving children from Junior Infants through to Sixth Class. The school operates within a wider integrated Education and Care campus for the Cherry Orchard community, which also includes an Early Education & Nursery and a dedicated Care Service. Three specialist classes cater specifically to pupils with autism, reflecting the school’s commitment to inclusive education for a diverse student body of over 400 children and more than 70 staff members. The school’s educational philosophy centres on enriched, creative and progressive learning experiences that implement the Primary Curriculum through evidence‑based programmes. Internationally recognised initiatives such as The Incredible Years, Restorative approaches, specialised maths programmes and Nurture Groups are embedded in daily practice. A strong partnership with parents, families and the wider community underpins a safe, happy environment where every child is valued and supported to reach their full potential.

History

Saint Ultan’s opened its doors in 2006 with 56 children and four teachers. Since its inception the school has expanded rapidly, now educating over 400 pupils and employing more than 70 staff members. It has grown as part of the broader Saint Ultan’s campus, which provides early years and care services alongside the primary school.

Applying to St Ultans 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 Ultans 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 Ultans National School

How many pupils attend St Ultans National School?

St Ultans National School has 359 pupils enrolled, 192 girls and 167 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.

Is St Ultans National School a DEIS school?

Yes. St Ultans 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 Ultans National School?

St Ultans National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.