Ray National School
School Details
Location
About
Ray National School is a small rural primary school situated on the Lifford road just outside the village of Manorcunningham. The school comprises three classrooms, two support rooms, an office and a staff room, providing a compact yet well‑equipped environment for its pupils. A supportive community ethos underpins daily life, with a focus on active learning and a range of projects that run throughout the year, fostering a lively and engaging atmosphere. The curriculum is enriched by hands‑on activities that encourage practical maths, scientific inquiry and creative play. Children explore concepts such as capacity, estimation and number using tools like Numicon, while outdoor sessions in the garden centre allow them to grow plants and conduct experiments. Regular initiatives such as “Active Tuesdays”, litter‑picking days and yoga sessions promote physical wellbeing, teamwork and environmental stewardship. Recent IT funding in 2021 has equipped senior learners with Chromebooks, helping to bridge the digital divide and support pupils at risk of educational disadvantage.
History
The school opened in 1740 in its original building, which included a teacher’s residence and a farm. In 2001 the school relocated to a new building situated just metres down the road from the original site.