Heywood Community School
Portlaoise, Laois
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 749 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 369 girls, 380 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 91427C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Heywood Community School is a thriving co‑educational community school situated in Ballinakill, County Laois. It offers a broad post‑primary curriculum that blends academic study with technical and vocational pathways, reflecting its origins in technical education. The school places a strong emphasis on personal and emotional development, providing a caring and respectful environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests through field studies, project work and dedicated study‑skills sessions. Spiritual growth is also nurtured, with regular religious education, retreats and opportunities for prayer and reflection, promoting a culture of tolerance and inclusion. The campus incorporates modern facilities built on the historic Heywood Estate, providing well‑equipped classrooms, specialist workshops and spaces for sport, music and the arts. Strong links with the local community enhance the educational experience, with partnerships that support social, cultural and sporting initiatives. The school’s ethos underlines the dignity of each individual, fostering an atmosphere where pupils can develop into competent, confident young adults ready for further education, employment or community involvement.
History
Heywood Community School was officially opened by the Department of Education on 5 December 1995, but its roots extend back centuries. The present school was established in 1990 through the amalgamation of three religious schools, Salesian College (opened 1967), the Brigidine Convent (boarding from 1842, day school from 1918) and the Presentation Sisters’ institutions (Durrow education from 1914, Castle Durrow acquired 1929, St Fintan’s College founded 1960), together with the Laois Vocational School (established 1964). The site is linked to Heywood House, built in the 17th century by Michael Frederick Trench, which suffered a fire in 1950 and was later demolished. A modern community school was constructed nearby, continuing the legacy of technical and holistic education for the local area.
Applying to Heywood Community 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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to Heywood Community 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: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 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 Heywood Community School
How many pupils attend Heywood Community School?
Heywood Community School has 749 pupils enrolled, 369 girls and 380 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Heywood Community School a DEIS school?
No. Heywood Community 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 Heywood Community School?
Heywood Community School has an Inter Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.
Illustration based on a photo by Oliver Dixon. Photo and adapted illustration: CC BY-SA 2.0.