St James National School Durrus
School Details
Location
About
St. James National School is a small, vibrant primary school serving the Durrus community in County Cork. The school’s ethos, reflected in its motto “Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí”, promotes the nurturing of young people so that they may flourish. Classrooms are spacious, bright and well‑equipped with libraries, computers and interactive whiteboards, supporting a balanced curriculum that blends traditional literacy and numeracy with modern digital skills. Communal spaces such as a reception hall, resource room and dedicated teachers’ room create a welcoming environment for both learning and community activities. The school benefits from recent refurbishment and a purpose‑built campus opened in 2007. Facilities include a tarmac‑covered playground, upgraded toilets, a small kitchen and storage areas, as well as fire‑safety improvements. The campus is designed to be warm and airy, encouraging a comfortable atmosphere for pupils. Extra‑curricular initiatives, including a green committee and wellbeing programmes, further enhance the holistic development of students and strengthen ties with families and the wider community.
History
The origins of St. James National School date back to 1790 when the original school house was built in Clashadoo and known as Durrus School. In 1937 a new Art Deco‑style building was opened, featuring two large classrooms, separate entrances for boys and girls, and indoor amenities. Throughout the 1950s the school operated with a single teacher, and in the early 1960s it temporarily closed before reopening in 1964. A series of refurbishments in the mid‑1990s upgraded the playground, toilets and interior spaces, but the building was condemned in 1997, prompting the construction of a new school. In June 2007 pupils and staff moved to the new premises, with an official opening ceremony held the following year attended by the Minister of Education and the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. Today the school remains a thriving community hub with modern facilities.