RATHMULLAN N S
School Details
About
St. John’s National School is a co‑educational Catholic primary school situated in Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, County Louth. It provides early childhood education from the Early Start programme (three‑year‑olds) through to the end of Second Class (approximately eight‑year‑olds). The school’s ethos centres on kindness, friendliness and inclusive participation, aiming to create a supportive environment for all learners, including those with additional educational needs such as a dedicated class for children with diagnosed specific speech and language disorders. The curriculum follows the Irish primary framework and covers English, Gaeilge, Geography, History, Science, Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Mathematics, Physical Education, SPHE and Religious Education. Recent investment through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan has equipped the school with new iPads for disadvantaged pupils, STEAM kits for coding and robotics, and two Promethean Interactive Panels, enhancing digital teaching and learning across all classrooms. These resources support a modern, hands‑on approach to education while reinforcing the school’s commitment to equitable access for every child. With five classes in each year group and a total roll of around 425 pupils, the school maintains a vibrant community atmosphere. The Early Start class accommodates 60 three‑year‑olds, and the school’s facilities are designed to cater for a wide range of abilities, promoting active engagement, creativity and personal development in line with its Catholic values.
History
St. John’s NS was founded in November 1974 in prefabricated classrooms located in the car park of the Holy Family Church in Ballsgrove, initially staffed by two teachers. In July 1975 the school expanded to four teachers, and in 1979 it moved to its present building. Originally a vertical school serving up to Sixth Class, the institution was divided in 1982 into a junior school (St. John’s) and a senior school (St. Paul’s) following rapid growth. The school’s name reflects the visit of Pope John Paul II to Drogheda in 1979. It now operates under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Meath.