Emo Mixed National School
Portlaoise, Laois
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 207 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 87 girls, 120 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 13643Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Emo Mixed National School is a rural, co‑educational Catholic primary school under the patronage of the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. The school’s ethos is centred on the full and harmonious development of each pupil, nurturing intellectual, physical, cultural, moral and spiritual growth. Daily prayer and a robust programme of religious education reflect its Catholic foundation, while close collaboration with the local parish ensures that sacramental preparation and faith formation are integral to school life. The curriculum is delivered with a strong emphasis on academic excellence balanced by a wide range of extra‑curricular activities that foster creativity, social skills and physical wellbeing. The school recognises the diverse needs of its community, providing particular support for children with Special Educational Needs, new Irish pupils and ethnic minorities, and giving special regard to less‑privileged families. Staff development and professional standards are prioritised to maintain a high‑quality learning environment. Partnerships with parents, clergy and the wider community are viewed as essential to each child’s success. The school’s Code of Behaviour, rooted in Christian values of forgiveness and reconciliation, underpins a caring and inclusive atmosphere where every pupil is encouraged to reach their full potential.
History
Emo's National School was built in 1889, before which schooling had taken place in the cemetery. The building was originally two storeys, with the boys' school upstairs and the girls' school on the ground floor, and Patrick Walker was its first principal. In 1962 Principal Eamon McCluskey retired, coinciding with the closure of Morette School, and Joe O'Callaghan, then principal of Morette, was appointed the new principal of Emo N.S. The school became a three-teacher school in 1967. Boards of management were introduced in 1975, taking over responsibilities previously held by parish priests. The centenary of the school was celebrated in 1989. Joe O'Callaghan retired in 1997 after 35 years as principal and was succeeded by Brian Davis, a former pupil of the school.
Applying to Emo Mixed 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 Emo Mixed 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 Emo Mixed National School
How many pupils attend Emo Mixed National School?
Emo Mixed National School has 207 pupils enrolled, 87 girls and 120 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Emo Mixed National School a DEIS school?
No. Emo Mixed 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 Emo Mixed National School?
Emo Mixed National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.