Watergrasshill National School
Cork
Key facts
- Some Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 391 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 196 girls, 195 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- Some subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16271U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Watergrasshill National School is a co‑educational, state‑funded primary school located in the village of Watergrasshill, about 10 km (10 miles) from Cork city. The school caters for children aged 4‑12 years and currently educates 426 pupils. With a staff complement of 24 teachers and 12 Special Needs Assistants, the school provides a supportive environment that includes sixteen mainstream teachers, two special‑class teachers and six special‑education teachers, ensuring that both mainstream and special‑needs learners are fully included in all aspects of school life. The curriculum follows the national framework set by the Department of Education and Skills and is delivered through a variety of innovative teaching strategies such as team teaching, station teaching, withdrawal and reverse integration. These approaches aim to offer a holistic education that develops academic, social and personal skills. A broad range of extra‑curricular activities is available, including soccer, football, camogie, hurling, basketball and drama, allowing pupils to explore interests beyond the classroom and to develop teamwork and confidence. The school places a strong emphasis on safeguarding and wellbeing, exemplified by policies such as the Bí Cineálta anti‑bullying programme and a comprehensive child‑safeguarding statement. Regular events, from sports days to graduation ceremonies, foster a vibrant community spirit and celebrate student achievement.
History
Over the past 25 years Watergrasshill National School has expanded significantly, growing from 136 pupils in 1999 to 426 pupils today. This growth reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to providing inclusive, high‑quality education in the Watergrasshill community.
Applying to Watergrasshill 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 Watergrasshill 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 Watergrasshill National School
How many pupils attend Watergrasshill National School?
Watergrasshill National School has 391 pupils enrolled, 196 girls and 195 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Watergrasshill National School a DEIS school?
No. Watergrasshill 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.
Does Watergrasshill National School teach through Irish?
Partly. Watergrasshill National School teaches some subjects through Irish.