Little Island National School
School Details
Location
About
Little Island National School is a mixed primary school situated on the banks of Cork Harbour, just east of Cork City. It serves a vibrant community of over 140 pupils, offering a supportive environment that blends traditional values with modern educational resources. The school benefits from high‑speed broadband connectivity provided through the Department of Education’s School Broadband Programme, enabling seamless integration of digital learning tools and remote education when required. The campus has evolved considerably since its opening in 1961. Recent developments include the addition of new classrooms (Rooms 8, 10, 11, 1 and 2), a dedicated staffroom, a link corridor, and upgraded heating and insulation systems. A generous land donation from a local industry partner allowed the expansion of the school yard and the enhancement of pitch facilities, providing ample outdoor space for sport and recreation. These facilities, together with a virtual tour video and an active online presence, showcase the school’s commitment to creating a safe, engaging, and forward‑looking learning environment for all children.
History
Education on Little Island dates back to before the Great Famine, with a National School first opening at Island Cross in 1881. The original building housed separate boys’ and girls’ classrooms and featured a divided schoolyard. In 1961 the present school building was erected in the townland of Ballyverry, replacing the earlier site. Over the decades the school has expanded: a new classroom was added in 2010, followed by a substantial extension in 2011 that introduced two additional classrooms, a staffroom and a link corridor, coinciding with the school’s 50‑year celebration on the site. Further enhancements included the construction of resource rooms in 2013 and 2014, and ongoing upgrades to heating, insulation and outdoor facilities. The school adapted to remote learning during the COVID‑19 closures in 2020‑2021, reflecting its resilience and commitment to continuity of education.