ST PATRICKS BOYS NATIONAL SCHOOL
School Details
About
St Patrick’s Boys’ National School is a vibrant Catholic primary school serving the parishes of Donabate, Portrane and Balheary. The school’s ethos is centred on the holistic development of each pupil – academically, socially, spiritually and physically – and it welcomes children of all faiths and none. A strong emphasis is placed on inclusive practice, with scaffolding for both learners who need additional support and high‑achieving students, fostering empathy and community spirit under the motto *Ní neart go cur le chéile* (“We are stronger together”). The campus boasts modern, purpose‑built classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards and class sets of iPads, alongside specialist learning‑support and resource rooms. Extra‑curricular facilities include a state‑of‑the‑art sensory room, a well‑appointed PE hall, a basketball court, outdoor recreation areas and a sensory garden. These resources, together with an active School Council and close partnership with parents, create a lively, child‑centred environment where curiosity and confidence can flourish.
History
St Patrick’s Boys’ National School was founded and endowed by Sophie Evans, grand‑aunt of Charles Stuart Parnell, in 1824. Originally known as Portrane Boys’ National School, it was housed in what now forms part of College Court on the Portrane Road. The school relocated to its present site in 1980 and was further extended in 2000, retaining its long‑standing tradition of educating boys in the Donabate, Portrane and Balheary area.