The Harold School
Glasthule, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 642 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 325 girls, 317 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20141G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
The Harold School is a co‑educational Catholic primary school that welcomes children of all faiths, fostering a harmonious, secure and caring environment. Its educational philosophy places equal emphasis on the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural development of each pupil, encouraging self‑esteem, respect, responsibility and a love of learning. The curriculum follows the Department of Education programmes and is enriched by a wide range of co‑curricular and extra‑curricular activities, including music, drama, dance, handcrafts, Irish language, heritage studies and extensive physical‑activity programmes such as Active School, sports and movement games. The school benefits from a variety of facilities that support this holistic approach: a well‑maintained school garden, a modern library, dedicated IT resources, a student council, and specialised spaces for art, music and physical education. Health and wellbeing are prioritised through healthy lunch provisions, a wellbeing programme and a strong partnership with parents, who are invited to act as active members of the school community. Staff development is encouraged within a collaborative, collegial setting, ensuring that teaching and learning remain dynamic and responsive to pupils’ needs.
History
The Harold School has been a cornerstone of the Glasthule parish for over a century. Originating from the Harold Memorial School, it was established after Fr George Harold raised funds in the United States to clear the debt on St Joseph’s Church, leading the community to honour his legacy with a lasting stone tribute. Initially a girls’ school staffed by the Sisters of Mercy, a boys’ school was later added, each operating under its own roll number and ethos. In the 1980s the original buildings required extensive refurbishment, including sealing off a flood‑prone boiler house. In 2001 the separate boys’ and girls’ schools amalgamated to become “The Harold School”, and the institution has since expanded into the former Presentation College building, continuing its service to generations of local families.
Applying to The Harold 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 The Harold 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 The Harold School
How many pupils attend The Harold School?
The Harold School has 642 pupils enrolled, 325 girls and 317 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is The Harold School a DEIS school?
No. The Harold 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 The Harold School?
The Harold School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.