Rathfarnham Parish National School
School Details
Location
About
Rathfarnham Parish National School is a Church of Ireland primary school situated in the suburb of Rathfarnham, south Dublin. It welcomes children of all faiths and none, offering a happy, relaxed atmosphere that promotes a sense of belonging within a caring, child‑centred community. The school’s ethos is holistic and inclusive, aiming to meet the spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual needs of pupils and to nurture lifelong learners who are resilient, self‑aware and socially responsible. The campus has been developed over recent decades to provide modern learning environments. Facilities include a purpose‑built assembly hall, a dedicated library and resource rooms, a computer suite, a learning support room and a well‑equipped staff area. Outdoor spaces feature new yard surfaces, playgrounds and trim trails designed to be safe and welcoming. The school operates with a team of teachers, special needs assistants and support staff, catering for approximately 220 pupils.
History
The earliest record of a school in Rathfarnham dates to 1801, with three primary schools operating by 1825. Rathfarnham Parish National School emerged around 1826 under the support of the local rector and entered the National School system in January 1896, receiving its first state‑paid teacher, Ms Elizabeth Tuthill. The original one‑room building, erected on private funds within the church grounds, served both educational and parish‑meeting purposes. After a series of relocations—including a move to the War Memorial Hall in 1962 and the opening of a new purpose‑built site on Washington Lane in 1971—the school expanded with extensions in 1986 and extensive renovations completed in 1990. Subsequent upgrades added a computer room (1998), a new reception and library (2010), and modern playground facilities, resulting in a contemporary school serving around 220 pupils.