Islamic National School
School Details
Location
About
The Muslim National School in Clonskeagh, Dublin 14, is Ireland’s first state‑funded primary school dedicated to the education of Muslim children. It provides a full primary curriculum from Junior Infants to Sixth Class, integrating Islamic values with the Irish national curriculum. The school’s ethos stresses inclusive, equitable education rooted in Islamic principles, fostering a supportive environment where pupils develop academically, spiritually and socially. A distinctive feature of the school is the Iqra Literacy Hub, a specialised provision operating within the school’s Special Education Teaching (SET) framework. The Hub delivers structured, evidence‑informed literacy interventions for pupils with dyslexia or persistent literacy difficulties, using explicit phonics, decoding and assistive technology while keeping children fully included in mainstream classes. The school also adopts the national “Bí Cineálta” anti‑bullying policy, promoting empathy and understanding. Facilities include a purpose‑built campus acquired in 1992, expanded in 1996 with additional classrooms and an adjoining Islamic Cultural Centre, providing ample learning spaces, a playground and areas for community activities.
History
The concept of a Muslim national school emerged in 1988 following discussions between the Muslim community and the Department of Education. After securing community commitment and meeting the requirement of at least twenty‑four children, the Islamic Foundation of Ireland submitted an application for recognition in March 1990, receiving provisional approval in July 1990. The school opened in September 1990 with forty pupils, initially housed in the Islamic Centre on South Circular Road. Rapid growth led to the acquisition of a new site in August 1992, where the school relocated with 117 pupils. The official opening took place on 24 April 1993, conducted by the President of Ireland, marking the first state‑funded Muslim primary school in the country. In November 1996 the school was further expanded with five extra classrooms and the adjoining Islamic Cultural Centre.