Ardscoil Phadraig
Longford
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 351 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 181 girls, 170 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 71710I the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ardscoil Phádraig, situated in Granard, provides a high‑quality, inclusive secondary education that balances academic rigour with a broad range of co‑curricular opportunities. The school’s ethos centres on fostering each pupil’s full potential through a collaborative partnership with families, the local community and educational stakeholders. A strong emphasis is placed on both scholastic achievement and the holistic development of students, ensuring they are well‑prepared for further study and life beyond school. The campus boasts a variety of modern facilities that support diverse learning needs. An assembly hall and the Canon Kelly Sports Hall, complemented by changing rooms, showers, hard courts and storage areas, cater to physical education and sport. Dedicated purpose‑built spaces include the Cluain Eala ASD facility, four additional classrooms added in 2015, and state‑of‑the‑art science laboratories opened in 2018. These resources, together with a vibrant programme of clubs, music, green‑school initiatives and pupil‑voice activities, create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially and personally.
History
Ardscoil Phádraig was founded in the late 1940s, initially holding classes in the Market House, Granard. The original school building opened in 1953, with practical subject classrooms added in the early 1960s. A new extension containing an assembly hall and extra classrooms was completed in 1982. The Canon Kelly Sports Hall was constructed in 1985, and further enhancements, including changing rooms, showers, hard courts and storage, were added in 2006. The Cluain Eala ASD facility was built in 2009, four purpose‑built classrooms were opened in 2015, and in 2018 the school inaugurated two modern science laboratories alongside a purpose‑built autism facility.
Applying to Ardscoil Phadraig
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 Ardscoil Phadraig. 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 Ardscoil Phadraig
How many pupils attend Ardscoil Phadraig?
Ardscoil Phadraig has 351 pupils enrolled, 181 girls and 170 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Ardscoil Phadraig a DEIS school?
Yes. Ardscoil Phadraig 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 Ardscoil Phadraig?
Ardscoil Phadraig has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.