Faithlegg National School
Waterford
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 196 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 85 girls, 111 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18380M the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Faithlegg National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in Faithlegg, County Waterford, serving children from Junior Infants through to 6th class. The school places a strong emphasis on creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where every pupil feels safe, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. Recent initiatives focus on digital inclusion, with a 2021 grant under the Irish National Recovery and Resilience Plan enabling the acquisition of additional devices, charging stations, and specialised educational app subscriptions. These resources support English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners and provide differentiated literacy and numeracy programmes, while upgraded broadband and a modernised digital infrastructure ensure reliable connectivity throughout the campus. The physical campus has been expanded several times, most recently with a two‑storey extension completed in the summer of 2013, providing contemporary classrooms and flexible learning spaces. Strong community involvement is evident through active parent associations, a thriving school sports programme, including a successful U13 boys football team, and regular events that foster a sense of belonging among pupils and families. Together, these elements combine to offer a well‑rounded, forward‑looking education rooted in local tradition and community spirit.
History
The first Faithlegg National School was built in 1833 by Nicholas Power of Faithlegg House and was located at Faithlegg Bridge. A new school was erected on the old road over the Minaun in 1878, serving the community until 1961 when a purpose‑built two‑classroom school opened on the present site. Subsequent extensions were added in 1987, 2009 and 2011, with the latest two‑storey extension completed in the summer of 2013. The school’s development has been supported by dedicated parent associations and the wider community.
Applying to Faithlegg 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 Faithlegg 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 Faithlegg National School
How many pupils attend Faithlegg National School?
Faithlegg National School has 196 pupils enrolled, 85 girls and 111 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Faithlegg National School a DEIS school?
No. Faithlegg 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 Faithlegg National School?
Faithlegg National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.
Illustration based on a photo by kevin higgins. Photo and adapted illustration: CC BY-SA 2.0.