Carnew National School
Arklow, Wicklow
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 185 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 78 girls, 107 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18242A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Carnew National School (Scoil Aodán Naofa) is a vibrant, co‑educational primary school that welcomes children of all abilities, irrespective of religious, ethnic or cultural background. The school prides itself on an inclusive ethos, offering a warm and inviting learning environment where pupils are encouraged to explore a variety of teaching methods and engage in fun, hands‑on activities. Its motto, *“Is ualach eadrom foghlaim”* (“learning is a light burden to carry”), reflects a commitment to making education both enjoyable and meaningful. The school has achieved a number of national recognitions, including awards for Discover Primary Science and Maths, the Green Flag environmental award, the Active Schools Award and the GAA School of Excellence Award, and is currently pursuing the Brat Gaelach Irish‑language award. Future development plans feature a state‑of‑the‑art facility designed to support children with autism, underscoring the school’s dedication to specialised provision. As of the 2022/23 academic year, Carnew NS became a rural DEIS school, gaining enhanced government support such as a free lunch scheme. Class groups range from Junior Infants through to Sixth Class, with additional specialised classes such as the “Superhero Class”. The school’s curriculum is complemented by a strong emphasis on extracurricular programmes, environmental stewardship and community involvement, fostering a holistic education that prepares pupils for lifelong learning.
Applying to Carnew 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 Carnew 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 Carnew National School
How many pupils attend Carnew National School?
Carnew National School has 185 pupils enrolled, 78 girls and 107 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Carnew National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Carnew 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 Carnew National School?
Carnew National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.