Fenor National School
School Details
Location
About
Fenor National School is a mixed, rural primary school serving children from Junior Infants to Sixth Class in the coastal parish of Dunhill/Fenor, County Waterford. The school provides a welcoming, Catholic‑inspired environment that balances high academic standards with a strong emphasis on belonging, safety and personal confidence. Facilities include two dedicated special‑education classrooms for pupils on the autism spectrum, a Montessori‑style preschool, and an adjacent after‑school centre, all situated on a campus that benefits from the scenic Copper Coast, nearby bog and play‑park. The learning environment is supported by a range of purpose‑built spaces: a modern hall, a well‑equipped staff room, a learning support room with a canteen area, and several specialised rooms for special‑education needs. Recent developments have added a new ASD unit and expanded the preschool facilities, ensuring that all pupils have access to appropriate resources and inclusive programmes. A committed team of staff engages in continuous professional development, fostering innovative teaching aligned with the Irish National Curriculum while nurturing the rural community spirit that defines the school.
History
The original school on the site was erected in 1894 opposite the church, where the car park now stands. In 1946 a two‑room building was constructed to accommodate 100 pupils; this structure now serves as the learning support room and canteen. Three additional classrooms were added in 1985, and the community preserved the original building for parish use. Since then, the school has expanded with five new classrooms, a new hall, a staff room and three special‑education rooms. A major extension was officially opened in March 2014, and the first dedicated ASD classroom opened for the 2019/2020 school year, with €1.1 million earmarked for a new ASD unit. The Montessori preschool, launched in September 1992 with four pupils, has been extensively renovated and operates under the school roof. Generous land donations from the local Curran family have facilitated these expansions.