Clochar Uaithne
Kilkenny
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 100 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 50 girls, 50 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16430O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St John of God Owning National School is a rural, co‑educational Catholic primary school serving approximately 110 pupils. The school operates from a historic, purpose‑built building that is the earliest surviving educational facility in Owning, reflecting a long‑standing association with the Order of Saint John of God. A dedicated team of four class teachers, a learning‑support/resource teacher, three special‑needs assistants and a secretary, together with a shared cluster of learning‑support hours with two neighbouring schools, provides a supportive environment that caters for a range of educational needs. The school’s ethos centres on enabling each child to realise their individual potential within a Christian framework, while also recognising other faiths. Emphasis is placed on academic preparation for further education, the development of self‑confidence and self‑esteem, and the nurturing of social skills through cooperative learning. Complementary programmes in sport and movement, alongside a strong focus on cultural heritage, health and wellbeing, ensure a well‑rounded experience for pupils from junior infants to sixth class.
History
The school occupies the earliest‑surviving purpose‑built educational building in Owning and retains historic links with the Order of Saint John of God. The current principal was appointed in 2022, and the school continues to serve the local community as an important element of the area’s architectural heritage.
Applying to Clochar Uaithne
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 Clochar Uaithne. 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 Clochar Uaithne
How many pupils attend Clochar Uaithne?
Clochar Uaithne has 100 pupils enrolled, 50 girls and 50 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Clochar Uaithne a DEIS school?
No. Clochar Uaithne 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 Clochar Uaithne?
Clochar Uaithne has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.