St Catherines West National School
School Details
Location
About
St Catherine’s West National School is a small Church of Ireland primary school that has served the Dublin 8 community for more than 110 years. The school promotes a friendly, family‑like atmosphere built on respectful, kind behaviour and mutual trust among pupils, parents and staff. Its Christian ethos is centred on the Golden Rule and a commitment to inclusive, high‑quality education that recognises each child’s unique talents. The curriculum is enriched by a strong emphasis on enquiry‑based learning, Aistear integrated play, and outdoor education, with maths trails, field trips and a dedicated “Active School” programme that uses the school grounds for hands‑on learning. The school is well‑resourced for inclusive education, employing a team of full‑time teachers, four Special Education Teachers and six special‑needs assistants who provide tailored support such as SET programmes, neuro‑diversity provisions and allied health services. Digital learning is supported through the Microsoft Dreamspace Ambassadors programme and specialist IT staff, while extracurricular activities include hurling, soccer, gymnastics, music, chess and community‑service projects. Strong links with the local parish, parent association and wider community enhance the school’s role as a hub of civic engagement and cultural celebration.
History
St Catherine’s West National School was established in the early 20th century (circa 1907) and has been a fixture of the Dublin 8 neighbourhood for over a century. Its long‑standing connection with local families is reflected in generations of pupils attending the school, and the institution has continually evolved while maintaining its core Christian values and community‑focused ethos.