Founded in 1904 in the heart of Dalkey, Castle Park has been part of this community for over a century. While the school has evolved, our focus on high standards, strong values and every child has remained consistent.
About us
Over a century of education, care and community
Mission
Our Mission
To advance excellent education so that all our pupils flourish and are inspired to help others.
Our approach to education is underpinned by a sense of moral purpose, service and a commitment to doing what is right for our young people. We aim to provide world-class educational facilities for our pupils and staff. We actively encourage all in our school to continuously develop their professional knowledge and skills.
At Castle Park, we provide a nurturing, forward-thinking education for boys and girls aged 2 – 12. Rooted in the Irish curriculum and enriched by High Performance Learning and specialist teaching, our approach ensures every child is known, valued and supported to thrive.
Vision
Our Vision
Our vision for children is that all pupils can perform to their full potential.
We want every child to grow into a confident, thoughtful and capable young person – ready to contribute positively to the world around them.
Our values
Our values guide daily life at Castle Park. Pupils don’t just learn them – they live them.
Empathy & Community
“We treat others with kindness and fairness.”
Agility & Curiosity
“We ask questions and try new things.”
Perseverance & Growth
“We keep going when learning feels challenging.”
History of our school
From its beginnings in 1904 to today, Castle Park has grown with each generation of families, adapting thoughtfully while staying true to what matters most.
This timeline highlights some of the moments that have shaped the school you see today.
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1904
Castle Park School founded by Wilfred P. Toone. -
1938
Donald Pringle becomes Headmaster, guiding the school through a period of growth and change. -
1967
Castle Park becomes a charitable trust, governed by a Board of Directors including current and former parents. -
1975
Castle Park becomes fully co-educational.
Our Houses
The House system is a central part of life at Castle Park. Every pupil belongs to one of four Houses, creating a strong sense of identity, teamwork and friendly competition across the school.
Through House events, sports and whole-school activities, pupils work together across year groups, building confidence, leadership skills and lasting friendships.
Pringle House
Named after a key figure in the school’s early development, representing commitment, continuity and contribution to school life.
Edwardes House
Reflects leadership and involvement in the wider school community, with pupils encouraged to take part and contribute with confidence.
Toone House
Named after the school’s founder, Toone House reflects the origins of Castle Park and a strong sense of tradition within the school community.
Collings House
Celebrates the people who have shaped Castle Park over time, encouraging teamwork, respect and a shared sense of purpose.
Crest & Motto Evolution
Over time, our crest has evolved while retaining its core symbolism: a castle and an open book, representing strength, learning and tradition. Our long-standing motto, Mens Sana in Corpore Sano (a healthy mind in a healthy body), continues to guide our belief in balanced education.
Original Crest
The original crest introduced the castle and open book, symbolising strength, learning and the foundations of the school.
Design Elements
Key elements from the crest are now used across the Houses, linking pupils to the school’s history in a simple, visual way.
Modern Simplified Logo
The current logo refines the original design, retaining its key symbols while presenting a clearer, more modern identity.
Leadership Team
An experienced team leading with care and clarity
Castle Park is led by a highly experienced team who combine strong educational expertise with a deep understanding of pupils and families.
The school maintains a clear focus on high standards, thoughtful leadership and a consistent, supportive environment where both pupils and staff can do their best work. Many members of the team have spent significant parts of their careers at Castle Park, bringing continuity, stability and a strong sense of what matters.
Together, they ensure that the school continues to evolve while staying true to the values that define it – a place where pupils are known, supported and encouraged to grow in confidence.
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Governance at Castle Park
Castle Park combines academic ambition with a deeply values-led culture, where each child is known, challenged and supported within a strong sense of community. Its independence allows the school to make long-term, mission-driven decisions – educational, pastoral and financial – without compromising those values. Serving on the Board, particularly as Chair, means stewarding that ethos: balancing governance, sustainability and strategy while safeguarding what makes the school distinctive for current and future families.
Portia Reynolds | Chair of the Board
Sustainability & Global Leadership
Sustainability at Castle Park goes beyond environmental awareness. It is about helping pupils understand their responsibility to others, to their community and to the world around them – and giving them the confidence to lead positive change.
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Identity & BelongingIrish Trees & Eco Badges
Every class at Castle Park is named after a native Irish tree – oak, hawthorn, hazel and more – chosen for the values they represent: empathy, resilience, strength and beauty.
Eco Committee members wear handcrafted wooden eco badges, personalised with their class tree. These are worn with pride and act as a visible symbol of leadership and responsibility.
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Pupil Voice & LeadershipEco Committee
Pupils from every class take part in the Eco Committee, representing their peers and helping lead sustainability initiatives across the school.
Members are elected by writing letters explaining why they want to lead change. They meet weekly to plan events, promote recycling and guide school-wide decisions – working towards Green Schools flags, including our first for Litter & Waste.
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Creative SustainabilityEco Eddy
Pupils created their own sustainability character, Eco Eddy, to help younger children understand environmental responsibility.
Through posters, rhymes and reminders, pupils act as sustainability ambassadors – making positive habits easy to understand and remember.
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Confidence & VoiceAssemblies & Awareness Weeks
Pupils help plan and lead eco-themed assemblies and awareness weeks, taking on roles as presenters, performers and organisers.
They share learning through talks, songs and challenges – standing on stage and speaking to the whole school.
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Responsibility in ActionEco Swap Shop & Reuse
Our Eco Swap Shop encourages pupils to reuse toys and books rather than buying new.
Eco Committee members organise and run events, sorting items, helping younger pupils and giving up break times to ensure everything runs smoothly and fairly.
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Community & Global AwarenessLocal action, global thinking
From litter picking and beach clean-ups to programmes like Picker Pals, pupils take part in hands-on local action.
They learn that small actions – close to home – contribute to a healthier planet.