Knockanes Mixed National School
Headford, Kerry
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 69 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 36 girls, 33 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 13150Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Knockanes National School is a vibrant co‑educational primary school situated in the heart of Glenflesk parish, just ten kilometres from Killarney town in County Kerry. The school provides mainstream education for infants through sixth class alongside a dedicated Special Class for Deaf and Hard of Hearing pupils. With a team of mainstream teachers, special education teachers and special needs assistants, the school delivers an inclusive, child‑centred curriculum that balances academic learning with personal development and social skills. The ethos of the school is built on a warm, nurturing environment where teaching and learning are carried out in a fun and engaging manner. Emphasis is placed on holistic education, encouraging pupils to interact respectfully, develop confidence and participate actively in a range of extracurricular activities such as the Wool2Ewe Climate Smart Programme, Deaf Awareness Week and community fundraising events. Strong links with the local community enrich school life and foster a supportive network for pupils, parents and staff alike. Facilities include dedicated spaces for the special class, well‑equipped classrooms for mainstream teaching, and a structured daily routine that supports both academic and personal growth. The school also utilises modern tools such as the Aladdin Connect App for attendance, ensuring smooth communication between home and school.
Applying to Knockanes 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
View Knockanes Mixed National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Knockanes Mixed National School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Knockanes Mixed National School
How many pupils attend Knockanes Mixed National School?
Knockanes Mixed National School has 69 pupils enrolled, 36 girls and 33 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Knockanes Mixed National School a DEIS school?
No. Knockanes 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 Knockanes Mixed National School?
Knockanes Mixed National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.