Arles National School
Ballickmoyler, Laois
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 50 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 21 girls, 29 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18532J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Arles National School is a co‑educational, Catholic primary school located in the picturesque village of Arles on the Carlow/Laois border. The school promotes a positive culture of teaching and learning, striving for every child to fulfil their potential in a safe, clean and healthy environment. Equality between girls and boys is a core principle, and the school actively encourages community involvement through initiatives such as Grandparents Day, an active school committee and a vibrant parent association. The curriculum is enriched by a strong emphasis on experiential and STEM learning. Recent accolades include the STEPS Young Engineers Award (2020 & 2021) and the Farm Safe Schools Award, reflecting a commitment to innovative engineering projects and agricultural safety. Outdoor learning, the early‑years framework Aistear, and a thriving music programme further broaden pupils’ experiences. Facilities have been expanded over the years to include modern classrooms, a dedicated practice room and ample outdoor spaces that support both academic and extracurricular activities.
History
Arles National School was opened and blessed by Monsignor Conway in June 1961, replacing the original 1836 school built in the church grounds. The first pupils moved into the new building on 1 September 1961, with Mr James Harney appointed as the inaugural principal. Subsequent leadership saw Mr Michael Dennehy (until December 1978) and Mrs Killoran (January 1979 – 2006), after which Ms Marianne assumed the role of principal in March 2011. In September 1975 the nearby Rushes School closed and its pupils were transferred to Arles, a practice that continues today. Responding to growing enrolments, the school was extended in 1984 with two new classrooms and a practice room, and a further classroom was added in 2006. The Board of Management has been overseen by a succession of parish priests, with Mr Francis Egan currently serving as chairperson. The school’s heritage is closely linked to the local Irish place‑names and the historic Church of the Sacred Heart, reflecting a deep-rooted religious and cultural legacy.
Applying to Arles National School
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 primary school dates apply broadly to Arles National School. 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: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 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 Arles National School
How many pupils attend Arles National School?
Arles National School has 50 pupils enrolled, 21 girls and 29 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Arles National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Arles National School 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 Arles National School?
Arles National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.