Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa
Clara, Offaly
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 333 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 153 girls, 180 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 72530L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa is a relatively small, inclusive, multi‑denominational post‑primary school situated in Clara, County Offaly. It welcomes both boys and girls and operates under the trusteeship of the Laois and Offaly Education & Training Board. The school describes itself as a proactive community that responds to the needs of its learners and the wider area, providing a safe, caring and respectful environment in which students can thrive academically and personally. The campus has been expanding in recent years, with numerous new classrooms added and a whole‑school redevelopment project currently under way. Facilities include the Brosna Centre – a specialist provision for three classes of students with autism – which integrates these learners into mainstream lessons as well as dedicated support. Ard Scoil Chiaráin offers a full suite of subjects at both higher and ordinary level for the Junior and Leaving Certificate, alongside optional programmes such as the Junior Cert School Programme (JCSP), Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP). A vibrant extracurricular programme complements the academic curriculum, featuring a wide range of sports, clubs and activities. The school community benefits from an active Board of Management, a parents’ association and a student council, all contributing to policies that uphold the school’s mission and its motto, “Respect for All”. Academic achievement is highlighted by consistent strong Leaving Certificate results and successful progression of graduates into further education, apprenticeships and employment.
Applying to Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa
How many pupils attend Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa?
Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa has 333 pupils enrolled, 153 girls and 180 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa a DEIS school?
Yes. Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa?
Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.