Cloch An Tsionnaigh National School
Ballacolla, Laois
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 64 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 31 girls, 33 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15562D the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Cloch an tSionnaigh National School is a rural, co‑educational primary school serving children from Junior Infants through to 6th Class. Set in the heart of the countryside near Ballacolla, Portlaoise, the school provides a nurturing environment where academic learning is balanced with a strong emphasis on creativity and community involvement. The curriculum is designed to develop each pupil’s full potential, fostering curiosity, kindness and respect while encouraging a lifelong love of learning. The school’s ethos places particular importance on a broad range of extracurricular activities. Sport, music and art feature prominently in daily life, offering students ample opportunities to explore and develop their talents with enthusiasm and joy. Dedicated teaching and support staff work collaboratively to ensure a safe, inclusive and stimulating setting, promoting both personal and academic growth for every child. Strong ties with parents, staff and the wider community underpin the school’s supportive atmosphere. Regular events, such as grandparents’ masses and community gatherings, reinforce the sense of belonging and encourage active participation from families and local residents alike.
Applying to Cloch An Tsionnaigh 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 Cloch An Tsionnaigh 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 Cloch An Tsionnaigh National School
How many pupils attend Cloch An Tsionnaigh National School?
Cloch An Tsionnaigh National School has 64 pupils enrolled, 31 girls and 33 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Cloch An Tsionnaigh National School a DEIS school?
No. Cloch An Tsionnaigh National School is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Cloch An Tsionnaigh National School?
Cloch An Tsionnaigh National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.