St Colmcille Senior National School
School Details
Location
About
St. Colmcille’s Senior National School is a Catholic parish school in Knocklyon that combines a strong academic programme with a restorative approach to community life. The school’s ethos is built on the values of truth, justice and compassion, and it seeks to nurture curiosity, confidence and a lifelong joy of learning. Relationships between pupils, families and staff are prioritised, with restorative practice used to resolve conflict constructively and to develop empathy and personal responsibility. The campus has evolved from its original 16‑classroom building (completed in 1976) to a modern complex that was redeveloped between 2011 and 2015, providing contemporary classrooms, specialist spaces and temporary facilities that support a pupil population of over 1 400. The school celebrates Irish culture while respecting the richness of other traditions, and it promotes high expectations, inclusive teaching that recognises diverse learning styles, and a safe, supportive environment where every child can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
History
In the mid‑1970s a seven‑acre site on Idrone Avenue was purchased for £36,000 and, after a delay in grant approval, construction began under architect John Carroll. The 16‑classroom school was completed in July 1976, welcomed its first pupils in September 1976 and was officially opened on 31 March 1977 by Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave, with Archbishop Dermot Ryan blessing the building. The inaugural roll was 47 pupils, rising to 54 by opening day. A second building was added in 1982, creating separate Junior and Senior schools. By the late 2010s the school had grown to over 1 400 pupils and a staff of more than 70. A major redevelopment started in late 2011, and after a temporary relocation the new facilities reopened on Idrone Avenue in September 2014, with an official opening on 25 September 2015.