The Model School
School Details
Location
About
The Model National School is a small, vibrant rural primary school operating under Protestant patronage, primarily serving the local Protestant community. It provides a safe and secure learning environment that nurtures pupils’ spiritual, intellectual, emotional and social development. With a dedicated team of five teachers—including four mainstream class teachers and a specialist in Special Educational Needs (S.E.N.)—the school is supported by a full‑time Special Needs Assistant, a part‑time assistant, a caretaker and a secretary, ensuring personalised attention for children of varying abilities and needs. The curriculum follows the Irish Primary Curriculum, covering English, Irish, Mathematics, History, Geography, Science (S.E.S.E.), Social, Personal & Health Education, Music, Drama, Arts & Crafts and Physical Education. A broad extracurricular programme complements academic learning: pupils take part in dance, gymnastics and soccer/GAA throughout the year, learn tin whistle from 1st to 6th class, may choose fiddle/violin lessons in 3rd‑6th class, and receive swimming instruction in the upper classes. The presence of specialist S.E.N. staff and assistants highlights the school’s commitment to inclusive education and to supporting every child in reaching their full potential.
History
The concept of a “Model School” originated in 1831 as part of a national effort to train teachers for Ireland’s new national schools, with non‑denominational model schools established in Dublin. Expansion began in 1834 and between 1848 and 1857 similar schools were built across the country, including the Model School in Bailieborough, which officially opened on 7 May 1849. Sir John Young, Lord Lisgar, provided the site and financing, and the school initially operated as a fee‑paying institution catering to both academic and vocational abilities. From the late 1950s it functioned as a Central School serving a wide catchment area, primarily for Protestant children. The 1870 Royal Commission recommended that model schools be converted to ordinary nationally managed schools, with teacher training moving to residential colleges and model schools used solely for teaching practice.