St Sylvesters Infant School
School Details
Location
About
St. Sylvester’s Infant School is a dedicated early‑years institution serving children from Junior Infants through to 1st Class. The school follows a child‑centred, play‑based approach to learning, encouraging curiosity and holistic development across spiritual, physical, mental, moral and social dimensions. The curriculum is broad and balanced, integrating formal teaching with engaging, hands‑on activities that foster a love of lifelong learning. Set beside the historic Malahide Castle grounds, the school benefits from expansive outdoor spaces for nature walks and sport, complementing its modern, purpose‑built facilities. A two‑storey building, completed in 2016, houses seven mainstream classrooms, three support classrooms and specialised special‑education rooms, providing a well‑equipped environment for both mainstream and additional needs pupils. The school’s ethos promotes inclusivity, respect for diversity and a strong partnership with families and the local parish, creating a warm, welcoming community for young learners.
History
The original red‑brick school was erected in 1856 to serve children aged four to seven in the Parish of Malahide. A separate white Infant School was added in 1956. In 1985 the present school was constructed, merging the historic “Red School” with the white building. Following the creation of the Parish of Yellow Walls in 1996, the school now feeds into Pope John Paul II Senior School. Five semi‑permanent classrooms and two special‑education rooms were added in 2007, and a major renovation in 2016 replaced prefabricated structures with a modern two‑storey block containing new mainstream and support classrooms.