Central Senior Mxd National School
School Details
Location
About
Central Model Senior School is an inclusive primary school for boys and girls in 2nd‑to‑6th class, situated on Deverell Place off Gardiner Street, with a mailing address on Marlborough Street, Dublin 1. The school embraces a Catholic tradition while welcoming children of all faiths and beliefs, fostering a community where pupils, parents, staff and the Board of Management work in partnership. Its educational ethos prioritises a happy, secure learning environment that values each child’s uniqueness and encourages them to reach their full potential through collaborative learning, respectful behaviour and a positive atmosphere. The school benefits from a modern, restored building opened in 1995, providing purpose‑built classrooms and spaces for creative and physical activities. A distinctive feature is the partnership with The Lab Gallery, which introduces Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) to develop art appreciation, language, listening and higher‑order thinking skills. Regular events such as summer camps, sports days and community news updates reflect an active, well‑rounded programme that supports both academic and personal development.
History
Central Model Schools were founded in 1859, originally teaching boys and girls separately and serving as a training ground for student teachers and monitors under experienced “model” teachers. After the establishment of the Free State in 1922, the teacher‑training role ceased. In 1981 the Central Model Boys’ and Girls’ schools amalgamated to become Central Model Senior and Central Model Infants Schools. A fire on St Patrick’s weekend in 1982 destroyed the premises, leading to several years in prefabricated accommodation. The restored school building was officially opened on 27 March 1995. Notable former pupils include George Bernard Shaw, John Devoy, J.M. Synge, poet Paula Meehan and stained‑glass artist Harry Clarke.